The Hobart Shakespeareans
by Mel Stuart
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DVD details
Actor: Ian McKellen, Michael YorkDirector: Mel Stuart
Brand: New Video
Cinematographer: Alex Rotaru
Editor: Alex Rotaru
Producer: Alex Rotaru
Producer: Mel Stuart
Producer: Chad Baron
Producer: Tamara Blaich
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 52 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-02-28
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: New Video Group
DVD Reviews of The Hobart Shakespeareans
DVD Review: Great conversation starter
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Hobart Shakespeareans" was the best thing I've found in years for opening the conversation with teachers about raising the bar in classrooms. The "Be nice, work hard, do your best" message hits home with everyone I've shared it with. Our teachers were inspired, to say the least. There were more than a few tears throughout the hour.
The only thing I could quibble with is the blurb, "starring Ian McEllen and Michael York." They were definitely highlights, but the real stars in this film were Rafe and those kids!
DVD Review: Inspiration for everyone
Summary: 5 Stars
This terrific documentary about an extraordinary human being who happens to be a teacher is wonderfully inspiring for everyone. It will undoubtably have special value to other teachers and lovers of Shakespeare but we can all be heartened and encouraged by seeing the degree of committment and effort that Rafe Esquith shows while teaching inner city kids in LA. He cares enormously about the value of each child and goes to great length to help them to develop intellectually, socially and morally. He gives 110%, at least, of his energy and attention to the kids. No wonder that so many of the graduates of Hobart Elementary have gone on to succeed in Ivy League schools and elsewhere. One of his former students who later went to law school, set up a foundation to fund the two trips that the class takes. They stay in first class hotels, eat in nice restaurants as well as visiting historical landmarks. He wants to give them a taste of what life outside of their poor, violence-ridden neighborhood is like.
This small film about Rafe and his kids will give anyone a huge boost in morale--a good antidote to the usual bad news we are bombarded with. (He advises his students to "kill their tvs!")
Brief appearances by Michael York and Ian McClellan add to the fun of the film.
DVD Review: In the pursuit of excellence, wonderful things can happen
Summary: 5 Stars
Director Mel Stuart has given us a wonderfully observed year in the life of a fifth grade class. Their teacher, Rafe Esquith, has challenged the students to pursue excellence in whatever they do. And one of the many ways they do this is by learning and staging one of Shakespeare's plays. In this year it is "Hamlet." But this is not a "Hey, kids, let's put on a show" story. It's an exploration of what happens when a teacher is willing to challenge his students (and works hard to do so) and the students accept the challenge. And it all takes place in a public school in a poor neighborhood in Los Angeles.
What makes this film special is that it is not a journalist report, heavy on interviews and narration. It is a behavioral documentary that lets us experience the lives of the children. It's terrific.
DVD Review: Inspirational
Summary: 4 Stars
I found this video to be very inspirational as far as teaching. This is a teacher we all want to be, and want our children to have. I thought this video would have more practical information about how to get kids to perform Shakespeare but, oh well, inspiration counts for alot!! I would recommend this video to teachers of all grade levels, even if they've never in a million years thought about doing a play in their classroom, much less Shakespeare (yes, you science teachers, I'm talking to you). It's more about a philosophy of guiding young people as they grow up than about putting on a play, but, man, do these kids do a fine job on stage. No wonder this sticks with them forever. Bravo to all.DVD Review: Much ado about Rafe and the Hobart Shakespeareans
Summary: 4 Stars
I've read both of Rafe Esquith's books There are no shortcuts and Teach like your hair is on fire. I was excited to find out that there was also a documentary out on him and his teaching methods and determination entitled "The Hobart Shakespeareans." Upon seeing his teaching style up close, I continue to be awed by this teacher who works 12+ hour days with students from racially mixed backgrounds in an inner city neighborhood. Yet his work pays off-his students typically score in the best 5% of students taking the SATs, and get accepted at both Ivy league and other colleges all over thw world. Rafe's students get to attend national monuments and tours of college campuses due to funds from his private, non-profit organization "Hobart Shakespeareans." At the end of every school year, his students put together a Shakespearean play in which they act, do sets for, music for, etc. It is a moving documentary of the work of the most highly decorated teacher in the history of teaching. It was wonderful to see what his students can do in and out of the classroom, and to see what Rafe seems to really be like. I am in awe of this man, and boy do I wish I had his energy.
My only fault with this documentary is that I wish the entire production of "Hamlet" by the HObart Shakespeareans had been shown as an option on the special features of this DVD. I would have really liked to have seen the entire play that the kids worked so hard on. The clips do not do it justice. That is the only reason I gave this work four stars rather than five.
This DVD will inspire anyone who works with children to push themselves more-it is amazing what one person anywhere accomplishes!
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