Happy Teachers’ Day: 5 movies with inspiring mentors
Teachers are the backbone of our society who inspire ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things pushing us to attain our best. In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the 5th of September, the birth anniversary of an exemplary teacher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was also the second president of our country.
Like in real-life, there have been many on-screen teachers who have inspired us immensely. Here’s a list of movies that eulogise these amazing people who challenge and motivate the young generation. As we celebrate Teachers’ Day today, watch these films with your little ones.
The Karate Kid
Although remade in 2010, the 1984 martial art classic still remains one of the most popular films among teenage kids. It stands apart for portraying an unorthodox yet soul-touching teacher-student relationship between wise Mr. Miyagi and the lonely teen Daniel. This coming-of-age tale explores how a mentor protects his protégé by teaching him the techniques of self-defense. The movie also educates us on societal issues of class, race and even war.
Taare Zameen Par
This heartfelt and inspiring 2007 Hindi musical drama became an overnight sensation as it handled a delicate topic with utmost care and precision. Starring the Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan in the role of a life-altering art teacher, this movie explores how he helps a dyslexic child and mentors him to discover his true identity. The beautiful relationship between the teacher and his student will most certainly make everyone grab for tissues. The movie almost made it to the Oscar nominations as the “Best Foreign Film” in 2009.
To Sir, with Love
This 1967 classic was way ahead of its time, so much so, that its positive and emotional message stands relatable to this day. Mark Thackeray joined as a teacher in the then contemporary London School, infamous for its notorious students. While the other teachers were starting to give up, Mr. Thackeray refused to stop trying. He enforced strict behaviour code and encouraged frank interactions about life, love and rebellion and soon won over his students as they started respecting him. For everyone, he became "Sir" - their ultimate friend, philosopher and guide.
Dead Poets Society
This 1989 Oscar winning movie preaches “carpe diem” or the idea that one must seize the day. It is an avant-garde film with a progressive English teacher as the protagonist, who inspires his students to break free of the societal norms and live life to the fullest. Although the movie has faced many controversies over the years, it is hands down one of best movies that depicts how a teacher can positively impact the lives of his students.
Chak De! India
It is a 2007 Hindi-language sports film that is one of its kind. Chak De! India shows how teachers can inspire outside the classroom, encourages you to dream and then trains you to accomplish those dreams. The movie shows how Kabir Khan, a former hockey star rises to the occasion to prove that women are at par with men in all spheres of life, including sports. Chak De! India stands apart for its unconventional subject and how a male coach trains a women’s hockey team to achieve a historic victory for the nation. The diligence, determination and dedication of the teacher and his never-yielding attitude towards his students, makes this movie a must-watch. The film won multiple accolades at the International Indian Film Academy Awards, 2008.