Quarter 4 Final

Billy Elliot   
Essay #1

    The film Billy Elliot takes place in England and is a charming story about a young boy who dreams of becoming a great dancer. We watch Billy take criticism for being a bout and wanting to dance, and from his father who is less than supportive. Billy tries and tries to become proficient and he does so, then getting an audition to a special ballet school. He ends up making it in, and fixing things with his family. The story wraps up nicely with an emotional ending that leaves the viewer pleased.
    As far as culture in this film goes, there is plenty of it. The English have more then an accent, they have a strong vocabulary that may not be accepted in America. The young boy swears and drinks a little too, which adds to the relaxed European vibe. Also, there is a scene where his father gets extremely angry and slaps him. This just represents the dysfunction of the family and that could happen in any county.
    Many kids today have trouble achieving what they need and have a passion for, due to parent disapproval. Billy proved everybody wrong and showed that even though he is a boy; he has every right to dance. Dancing in America is for men and women,  maybe unlike England. Billy learns he can achieve anything he wants if he works hard enough and that is a lesson we all can take.

The Kings Speech
Essay #2
   
    The Kings Speech is a film about King George VI of Britain. King George has a very unfortunate stutter and therefore cannot deliver speeches to his country. He knows it’s his responsibility to give speeches and talk in front of his people so he works to cure himself from the speech impediment. The support he gets from his wife is immense and he is able to become a great speaker by the end of the film.
    King George is true to himself and true to his culture by connecting back to himself and discovering why he had that problem. As for culture, he knows as a King it’s his duty to stand strong in front of his people. He lacks confidence in the beginning of the film and by the end he has found himself and I true to himself. The people trust his word and stand by him when he isn’t able to deliver speeches because they know he is a King and respect him.
    Same with Billy Elliot, King George worked hard enough and got what he wanted. He found himself on the way and his true personality came through and he was able to speak in front of his people. America doesn’t have royals but we have presidents and we want them to be able to deliver speeches so we can relate to the people in Britain.