Half Nelson - introduction

Plot:
Half Nelson is a 2006 American drama film directed by Ryan Fleck and written by Anna Boden and Fleck; it stars Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps and Anthony Mackie. The film was scored by Juno Award - winning Canadian band Broken Social Scene. Gosling received an Academy Award nomination for lead actor for his role in the film. The story concerns an inner city middle-school teacher who forms a friendship with one of his students after she discovers that he has a drug habit.

Trailer:



Half Nelson on imdb

C. Black & white: the Civil Rights Movement

In the film some pupils give a presentation on the actions undertaken by the Civil Rights Movement.

Watch the History of the Civil Rights movement and put the historical facts in chronological order.

C. Black & white: Brown vs. Boarding school

Another student gives a presentation on the case Brown vs. The board of education. Have a look at the clip below for some backgroundinformation.

a. Why was Linda Brown prevented from going to the school of her choice?
b. What was her father's reaction to this?
c. What was the outcome of the case?

D. Frank

At some point in the film, it comes to a confrontation between Dan and Frank ...

F. Drugs

Drugs play an important role in the movie. Several characters directly or indirectly come into contact with drugs.

a. Which characters come into contact with drugs?

b. How does it influence their lives?

c. What is their attitude towards drugs?