Message from lshifflett

[Anonymous]

Last May I posted a review of Asoka in another forum. I have re-posted it here so you will be able to read it. Please keep in mind that you can show clips from a film, and send home parent permission slips to do so. One teacher in my most recent seminar suggested that you make up a list of films and film clips you will be showing throughout the year, and send the permission slip home for all the films at the beginning of the school year, and/or whenever a student checks into your class. I have a new student folder, and the first day of school, I assign one cooperative learning group to keep the folder updated. I speak of it as though it is one folder, when in reality it is a folder for each student entering my class. I make up fifty folders initially for each class. That first day it includes a parent questionnaire, a student questionnaire, textbook sign out cards, the book report and reading criteria for the class, the two class rules (students later develop procedures for implementing the rules), a syllabus letter to go home to the parent, explaining what the child is expected to learn, and now I will add the film list. As more handouts are given to the students during the first five weeks of school, up to norm day, a copy is put in each individual folder, including those being held for new students.

So here is the review:
Film: Asokaa Santosh Sivan picture, Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor
The only concious reading I did about Asoka up to this point, was the few paragraphs in the 6th Grade Social Studies book. The film is set in the 3rd Century B.C. when Asoka "raged one of the bloodiest wars in history." The film makers are the first to admit that the film is based on legend. I'm just sorry that it is rated "R" and can not be shown in school. Legends credit Asoka with the spread of Buddhism outside the borders of India. It is said that he was so disgusted with all needless taking of life during the war that he waged against Kalinga, that he decided to dedicate his life to the spread of non-violence and Buddhism. Which raises a question for Clay. Was Ghandi's non-violence against the British occupation of India a result of Buddhist traditions or Hindu traditions or both? How does your answer impact Dr. King's following of non-violence and the Ghandi tradition of passive resistance? Or was it really passive?

So, jmaddox, there's your answer. The film is rated R. But you may want to look at it yourself, simply to add to your own knowledge.
[Edit by="lshifflett on Aug 15, 1:20:38 PM"][/Edit]