Rating: Summary: Absolute perfection Review: Sidney Poitier is magical in this movie. It touches you in your heart, and makes you wish that more people like his character exist. The movie is also entertaining, with a great title song.
Rating: Summary: "To Sir With Love" Just One of Many Superb Sidney Films! Review: Once again, Sidney Poitier transcends racial stereotypes, and provides us an important lesson in life. This time, he emerges as simply a good man who earns the love and respect of his students. 1967 was a memorable year for Poitier who starred in three, countem' three, box office hits. Perhaps the most penetrating line ever uttered in Poitier's distinguished career was in the same year: "They call me Mr. Tibbs!", he said, with a flare that is still haunting. "To Sir With Love" provides this truly sophisticated actor a much different setting to showcase his wisdom. Here, Poitier displays his natual gift for teaching as he politely but firmly tames a classroom full of London's most obnoxious bongholes. The situation intensifies when the quietly determined, novice school teacher insists that the potential hoodlums (who he is trying to rescue from the difficulties of being teenagers) change their self destructive behavior. Things get worse before they get better, and a powerful drama (and some fine acting) unfolds in the process. Audiences in 1967 gasped when Poitier showed up with his fiance at the dinner table of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Likewise, "To Sir With Love" audiences exhaled a collective sigh of relief when Poitier put aside his romantic interest in a favorite fair skinned pupil. Many of today's audiences are not enthusiastic about inter-racial dating and marriages either, but content of character (in such awkward situations) is certainly more of an overall consideration. Poitier's influence on American culture and its expanded capacity for tolerance cannot be underestimated. His presence on the big screen was the first time many people had experienced an Afro American who so modestly but effectively demanded treatment with dignity. Poitier has excellent command of the English language, and speaks his mind freely and fluently. It's a far cry from the typically demeaning and distasteful screen images of today, especially those with predominantly black casts. Afro Americans are often portrayed as deceitful, immoral, foul mouthed hoodlums who practically deserve whatever punk fate they get. If this trend is to be reversed, the very actors whose livlihoods are at stake must refuse to represent the Afro American community in this manner. Speaking the English language intelligently and tossing the expletive rap are big first steps!
Rating: Summary: A long-time favorite... Review: I recently read Mr. Poitier's book, "The Measure of a Man," and I happened to remember that I hadn't seen "To Sir, With Love" in ages. So, I purchased a copy, and watched it again. It has lost none of its magic. I grew up during those times (though in the USA) and I remember how hard it was to be a teenager then. The film was really influential, because of what "Sir" taught his students--that anything was possible if they set their minds to it. These students had the choice to stay the way they were, or to try and improve themselves. "Sir" gave them the tools, and they used them. It was a struggle, for both the students and "Sir" alike, but, in the end, each ended up respecting the other. A wonderful film, and not to be missed!
Rating: Summary: This movie is wonderful! Review: The first time that I saw "To Sir With Love", the video did not give a very clear picture and I could not understand what the characters were saying. I realized that this was a cool movie the second time that I saw it. Poitier gives an impeccable performance. I totally rooted for Mr Thackery when he saw what was burning in the classroom! Ou could see the anger in his eyes.
Rating: Summary: Excellent departure point Review: What can one say, except that To sir with love proves that Sidney Poitier's status as an actor is versatile and contemporary. Unlike his other successful films, the topic/subject in question relating to this film is not to do with race.In my mind, I can quite see this as a sequel to the Blackboard Jungle. Where in this case, Sidney takes on the role of teacher in charge of what seem to be juvenile delinquents, yet there is more than meets the eye. It is an excellent opportunity to see Sidney Poitier in a film centred around life in 60's London, and being aquainted with local customs. An excellent soundtrack accompanies the film.
Rating: Summary: Excellent departure point! Review: What can be considered as a departure from his previous films, when the topic of this movie is not to do with race. A trually realistic approach to the social problems in school, and only proves that Sidney Poitier's ability as an actor is all but unbeatable. A wonderful soundtrack to accompany the film, and definitely one of Sidney's best. An excellent chance to see Sidney in a british movie, and being aquainted with the local customs/cultures.
Rating: Summary: timeless qualities Review: This is one of my top 5 favorite movies. I first saw it as a teenager in the '70's and have watched it many times since; it's that good. The racists and unruly kids of today (and I've seen plenty!) can learn a few things from this film. Many touching moments - a memorable one being when all of the kids show up with a wreath for the black students' mothers' funeral, after Judy Geeson expresses doubt about a white girl taking it alone. And that song by Lulu! Great acting by the adults and children alike. Keep an eye out for Patricia Routledge many years before she played Hyacinth Bucket on Keeping Up Appearances!
Rating: Summary: Just plain good Review: Excellent movie, story, and acting. This is one of the few movies that I can truly say I've never forgotten. My wife still can't believe I love "Sir" and everytime it comes on TV, I'll stop to watch. I don't buy many videos, but this is one of the few I did buy.
Rating: Summary: Great. Review: Great story. Great acting. Great 60s mood. Great DVD. Great movie. This is simply a must for all Sidney Poitier fans, and it's also worth mentioning cuties Judy Geeson and Suzy Kendall. -I'm a big fan of both of these two lovely actresses, and to have them in the same film is perfect. Too bad Kendall's part is so small, she really should've been seen more. Also look out for a young Patricia Routledge and newcomer Michael Des Barres. The sequel to this film is very different yet it's very much the same story, but it doesn't reach the original.
Rating: Summary: A Timeless Classic Review: "To Sir With Love" is a powerful and deeply affecting film. The story involves a young black professional (Sidney Poitier) who seeks work as a teacher in a low-income urban school in London in the '60's. He is at once conflicted with his personal desire for a more financially rewarding position in the professions and his frustration with his inability to "reach" his undisciplined and unmotivated students. He loses his temper one day as the result of a particularly disreputable act and challenges each student to respect themselves if they are ever to seek the respect of others. The understanding and chemistry that subsequently evolves between teacher and student is both poignant and unforgettable. The music, featuring the title song by Lulu, eloquently captures the tone and tenor of the story. The message in this film resonates today with the disrespect, dysfunction, and violence in many of our public schools. There is a timeless quality in the commanding but subtle plea for tolerance, respect, and personal accountability. The emotions and images the film evokes provide a rare but treasured moment of humanitarian artistry.
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