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Today's Brave Writer suggestion was to watch a movie with your child. Absorb plot, discuss characters and issues, and so forth. I went to the video store and rented Because of Winn Dixie, since I've been meaning to see it, knew that the book is well-regarded, and I had vague notions that it had some discussion and essay-worthy stuff on it. What a great choice!
Because of Winn Dixie is the beautiful story of a lonely, motherless girl, her heartbroken pastor father, and the stray dog they come to love. In a summer's time the family learns to share their joys and sorrows in order to know and be known by others--to create community with those they befriend in their new little town.
The actress that plays the main character is just adorable and beautiful and very talented. The dog has the amazing ability to smile, and it so full of character that he really makes the movie extra special. Jeff Daniels is very convincing as the sad pastor-father.
My 13 year old son had been sure (from looking at the cover) that he would hate this movie and that it would be stupid. However, he was proven wrong. :) (I love to prove him wrong.) I was also able to come up with quite a few discussion/essay questions. I'll include them here in the comments section in case any of you would like to use them for your own family.
In short, Because of Winn Dixie is a great family movie that displays faith, hope, community, and healing in a moving and realistic way. I loved it. It'll have to go on the Christmas Wish List.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Because of Winn Dixie
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Gloria Dump says that she wants opal to tell her all about herself so that she can see her with her heart. What could you tell me about you so that I could see you with my heart? -or- What do you think it means to see someone with your heart?
What do you think of Gloria's advice to Opal to only judge Otis based on his music and his care of the animals, rather than on his past?
What do you think of Gloria's practice of hanging the bottles in the tree in order to keep the ghosts of her past mistakes away?
Recall the candy that tasted both sweet and sad. If you could attach emotions to foods, what combinations would you have go together?
What do you think of Otis' statement, "I'm not a bad man. I'm not a lucky man." How do you think this applies to other people, especially those in trouble or in jail?
Do you see a correlation between the evolution of Opal's picture of her town and that of her relationship to the town and it's people?
Why do you think the boys thought Gloria was a witch?
Gloria says, "You cannot hold onto anything that wants to go." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
What do you think of Opal's father?
If you could rewrite the ending, what would it be?
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