Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Basket

I just watched a great movie called The BasketThe Basket is about a girl and a boy who are orphans from Germany and came to live with a priest in a small town in the United States.  Their parents were killed by American soldiers during World War I when they were trying to escape Germany.  The boy’s name is Helmut and the girl’s name is Brigitta.  They go to school and their teacher used to be a basketball player. After their lessons, the teacher teaches the boys how to play basketball.  He also teaches them a German Opera to help them learn to be accepting of different people like the German children. The community did not like Germans because many of the older boys were killed by German soldiers in the war. Since Helmut is small and is German, the older school boys bullied him and didn't let him play basketball. Helmut's and Brigitta's neighbors also do not like them because they are German, but Brigitta falls in love with one of the neighbor's boy. 

While the school boys are practicing basketball, the mayor tells the community that there is a machine that would cut wheat faster.  The machine cost too much money for the community to buy. Their teacher signed the boys up to play a basketball game against the best team in the state. The winner of the game would get $500, enough money to buy the machine. The older boys didn't play very well but Helmut watched them practice with their teacher and also practiced everyday after school. When the big basketball event took place, the boys were losing and then Helmet at the last minutes of the game was allowed to play. The team played together and Helmut made every basket. The team won the game, and the community received enough money to buy the new wheat cutting machine. The community also learned to become accepting of the German children.  

I liked this movie because it showed that it is not nice to be prejudiced. It also showed how the children were able to work together to help their community. I would really recommend this movie. 

Have you seen this movie?

Is there another good movie that you would recommend?

9 comments:

  1. Dear Miriam,
    I happened to be the first to see your post. I am glad that you watch such good movies and the credit goes to your mother as I know she helps you to choose what movie you will watch. I am impressed with your discription of the events that happened in Germany. You really know how to write and also you have a good heart.
    Love you,
    Grandma Tanya and Grandpa Eugene

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dear Miriam,

    Thankyou for sharing your wonderful post on the movie The Basket.

    I love the way you wrote your review, I must keep an eye out for this movie.

    Your got me thinking of my all time favourite movie/book and it is called To Kill a Mocking bird by Harper Lee.
    This is a very moving and powerful book dealing with prejudice issues deep in the South of America. The ending really does move you.

    Great post Miriam and I can't wait for your nexted post.

    From your pal down under,
    AA. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aloha Miriam,
    I have not seen the movie but I surely will after reading your post. You are correct, prejudice is an ugly thing and we all need to work towards accepting each person for who they are.
    Just think how different our world would be if we all worked together like the team did. Hopefully, if we keep that in mind we can contribute in our own small way.
    A hui hou my friend,
    Mrs. Jacobs

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  4. Dear Miriam,

    I really appreciate your recommendation. I'm always looking for historical movies that will interest my students, especially ones that can teach a lesson at the same time!

    You have become a very good writer and your whole blog is such a great example for others. Thank you!

    Ms. Tatiana
    www.worldstaracademy.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Miriam,

    This is a wonderful film review. I am a movie fan. I collect DVDs and see all movies that come to my local town cinema but I have never heard of "The Basket" until your review.

    Prejudice, as you point out, is not nice. It happens when we judge others before we know them whether because of skin colour, religion, language or experience. We not only isolate those we show prejudice to, we harm ourselves by not giving ourselves the chance to know potential friends.

    For Helmut and Brigitta, people assumed them bad and at fault because they were German. Others hadn't considered they were just children who had lost everything. Many adults and children on both sides suffer during wars. We need to learn to forgive those not responsible for the wars so we can all move forwards.

    While I haven't seen this movie, I will see if I can find it available because it sounds very interesting. I enjoy movies which help us to think of our weaknesses and prejudice. They can inspire us to a better world.

    Ross Mannell (teacher)
    NSW, Australia

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Grandma Tanya,

    Thank you for your comment. My mom helped me pick the movies and then I decided if I want to watch them. Do you think you will want to watch this movie? Is there any other movies you recommend I see? I hope you visit again.

    From,
    Miriam

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear AA,

    Thank you for leaving me a comment. My mom has read the book and saw the movie too. My mom said that when I am older she will also show me the movie and will get me the book. I hope you find this movie and let me know what you and BB think about it. I think you will enjoy it too.

    From,
    Miriam

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear Mrs. Jacobs,

    Thank you for leaving me a comment. I think it was very mean of the boys to make fun of Helmut just because he was German and not let him play basketball. I hope you enjoy the movie.

    From,
    Miriam

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Mrs. Tatiana,

    Thank you for leaving me a comment. I am glad you enjoyed my post. Maybe you can show this movie to your students? I think they will enjoy it just like I did.

    From,
    Miriam

    ReplyDelete

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