A Guide to Fairy Tales on Film

Transcription

1 Key Stage Target Curriculum Links KS2 Literacy Art Design and Technology Music Stories and the telling of stories, are the foundations of human communication and understanding Film Director Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication and there are few more engaging ways to tell a story than through film. Some of the most enduring stories, with the greatest appeal to children, are fairytales; often featuring European folkloric characters and magic or enchantment, these have inspired many great films. To tie in with National Storytelling Week 2014, (February 1st- 8th), we have created two new fairytale themed topics aimed at Key Stages 1 and 2. Each features five hand-picked films, accompanied by teachers notes, discussion questions, recommended activities and a worksheet which can be photocopied for use in class or a school film club. From storyboarding, creating new stories about the characters and making and performing a puppet show, right through to writing a transcript for audio description, the activities can be used to develop pupils literacy, oral and critical skills and encourage them to delve into their imaginations.

2 The films included in this topic are: Lotte Reiniger: The Fairytale Films Puss in Boots (1954, PG) 13 mins Shrek (2001, U) 90 mins Ponyo (2010, U) 100 mins The Singing Ringing Tree (1957, U) 75 mins Penelope (2007, U) 86 mins Running a film club in your school can enrich the curriculum and allow young people to explore a wide variety of issues, experience cultures beyond their own, and develop their creativity, communication skills and confidence.after watching a film students are encouraged to comment during a post-screening discussion before writing reviews on the website (which has a real audience of other young people) where they can analyse the film and develop their literacy and critical skills. Above all, students and teachers can enjoy the shared experience of watching and discussing a film together. Set up a free film club and enjoy free access to thousands of films and education resources for learning through film and about film. To join or for information visit support@filmclub.org or call

3 Lotte Reiniger: The Fairytale Films - Puss in Boots (2013, PG) 108 mins Enrichment Focus This film resource is aimed at age 7+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation and friendship. What s this film about? Spellbinding silhouette animation telling the age-old tale of a talking cat with new boots who will do anything for his master. Why this film? A poor, young son of a miller inherits a cat that is very dutiful but not very useful to his master, until one day a fairy grants it one wish - the ability to talk! With his new voice and a pair of boots bought by his master the cat is able to trick a bad-tempered king into thinking his master is the rich Count of Caribas and the cruel Giant Rumpus into giving him his castle. This fairy tale made by pioneering German animator Lotte Reiniger weaves its magic amongst the cat s sneaky goings on. The black and white cut-out characters and shapes and gentle narration give the tale that extra bit of enchantment and storytelling charm. What the critics think I thought this was the most magical movie I've ever seen. Film club member Sorcha, aged 10 It's impossible to see exactly how she accomplished it - there must have been some sort of magic involved. Phelim O Neill, The Guardian!

4 Before the film: Starter Activity If you were given one wish, what would it be? Why? After the film: Discussion Questions 1. What did the cat wish for? Why? 2. As well as talking, what else does the cat receive that allows him to help his master? 3. Why did the cat choose the King and the Giant Rumpus to play a trick on? 4. Do you think the cat is a good cat or a bad cat? Why? 5. What do you think the tale is telling us about people who are less fortunate or small like the master and his cat? Next Steps 1. Get your students voices heard by joining Into Film, running a film club and writing reviews at 2. Write a modern version of Puss in Boots. Turn your story into a shadow puppet show and write a narration. Perform your shadow puppet show to a Key Stage 1 class and ask them for their feedback. Use the Shadow Puppet Theatre worksheet to plan your puppet show. Here is a simple video on how to create a shadow puppet theatre: videos/puawsfyh Teacher Notes 1. The cat wished to be able to talk so that he could be more human and therefore helpful to his master. 2. The master buys the cat a pair of boots to wear so that he can look like a gentleman. Alongside his ability to talk, this allows him to meet and be taken seriously by the King. 3. The cat picks on the King because he is greedy and bad tempered and the Giant because he is cruel and they both have things that his master could use like money, clothes and a beautiful castle. The Ogre and the King are not nice characters and the cat takes advantage of their faults in order to do good and give his master a better life. 4. The cat is very cheeky and does play tricks on the Count and the Ogre in order to steal from them. However, he does it in order to help his master and give him a better life so his actions, although morally wrong, are done in aid of doing good for someone he cares for. 5. Puss In Boots shows that rich people like the King and the Giant can be led astray by their greed and become so obsessed with their wealth and showing off they don t notice people playing tricks on them. Whereas, people less fortunate like the master, or small like the cat, can achieve greatness by being clever and wise.

5 Shadow Puppet Theatre worksheet Shadow Puppet Theatre for my new version of Puss in Boots. 1. Think of ideas for your own version of Puss in Boots. 2. Create a storyboard to show what will happen and to plan your narration. 3. Use the instructions below to create your shadow puppet theatre. 4. Practise your performance. 5. Perform your fairy tale to younger students. Ask them what they liked and what could be improved in your story. You will need: An empty cardboard box with the bottom cut out A lamp Tissue paper Sticky tape Lollipop sticks, straws or pipe cleaners Printed pictures of fairy tale characters (eg. princess, prince, dragon, witch) Scissors Shadow Puppet Theatre instructions 1. Stick two sheets of tissue paper to the bottom of the box. 2. Carefully cut out the fairy tale characters. 3. Stick the fairy tale characters to the end of the lollipop stick with sticky tape. 4. Turn down the lights. 5. Put the lamp inside the box and turn it on. 6. Use lollipop sticks to move your characters around and create a story. 7. Practise your performance. Storyboard

6 Shrek (2001, U) 90 mins Enrichment Focus This film resource is aimed at ages 7+ but is also suitable for use with ages 5+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation, relationships. What s this film about? Animated comedy about an ogre banished from his cabin home in the woods by an evil lord. Why this film? Fat, green and bad-tempered, Shrek may sound far from perfect but he makes the perfect ogre. And of course, even ogres need a home, so when Shrek is banished from his cabin by the evil Lord Farqaad, he does everything he can to put the situation right. Joining forces with a talkative donkey, he is ordered by Farqaad to rescue a beautiful princess in exchange for his home and that's when his problems really start! With lots of cheeky references to classic fairy tales, from Little Red Riding Hood to Beauty and the Beast, Shrek is filled with countless moments of great comedy. What the critics think The movie is just like an onion. It works on so many layers. Film club member Emma, aged 11 Combines superb storytelling with state-of-the-art animation. Peter Howell,Toronto Star

7 Before the film: Starter Activity Describe the kind of hero you would expect to find in a fairytale. After the film: Discussion Questions 1. List the classic fairytale characters that make an appearance in the film. 2. Shrek s story is very similar to a classic fairytale; do you know which one? What makes Shrek s story similar to it? 3. How is the telling of Shrek s story different from that of a classic fairy tale film? 4. What does Shrek mean when he says things can be more than they appear? Next Steps 1. Get your students voices heard by joining Into Film, running a film club and writing reviews at 2. Audio descriptions are a way that children with hearing impairments can understand the stories told in films. Show students the American news broadcast about audio description being recorded for Shrek the Third from the start until 02: v=rr9jywy7in8. Use the Shrek audio description worksheet to help your students create an audio description transcript of the dragon attacking Shrek and Donkey from 31:44 to 32:59, before reading and peer assessing their transcripts. For further details visit Teacher Notes 1. The film includes references to lots of different fairytale characters including The Three Little Pigs, Tinkerbell, The Three Bears, Pinocchio, Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty and The Gingerbread Man. 2. Shrek is a parody of the fairy tale style and it takes a lot of inspiration from Beauty and the Beast through the fact that it s lead male is an ugly ogre who falls in love with a beautiful princess. The transformation of Princess Fiona into an ogre is also a twist on the Beauty and the Beast tale when the Beast turns into a handsome prince. 3. Compared to traditional fairytale films, Shrek uses a lot of comedy to tell its story. Most of the comedy comes from through references to traditional fairytale plots and actions. 4. Shrek is referring to the fact that he looks big and ugly people assume he is a scary ogre when in fact, he is very caring and sensitive. This is also true of Princess Fiona as she appears beautiful but is in fact an ogre. You also assume she will be like a traditional fairy tale princess in need of rescue but in fact she is strong and can fight and protect herself just as well as Shrek can. The dragon is initially scary and dangerous with no feelings but is in fact a girl in love with Donkey.

8 Shrek audio description worksheet 1. Watch American news broadcast about audio description being added to Shrek the Third. How is language used to describe the action and pictures for visually impaired children? 2. Watch the scene when the dragon attacks Shrek and Donkey very closely. Make notes on what you think are the most important parts that would need to be described for people with visual impairments. 3. Write your audio description transcript. Make sure that you include the following Top 5 Tips for Audio Description: Top 5 Tips for Audio Description Ideas Punchy, powerful descriptions Simple sentences Interesting sounding words Rhyme and alliteration Sound effects for action used around description 4. Read your description aloud while watching the scene. 5. Peer assess your classmates audio descriptions by checking that they included all of the Top 5 Tips of Audio Description in their versions.

9 Ponyo (2010, U) 100 mins Enrichment Focus This film resource is aimed at ages 7+ but is also suitable for use with ages 5+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation and fairy tales. What s this film about? Magical Japanese animation about a fish who transforms into a girl after being discovered trapped in a jar at the seashore. Why this film? One day little Sosuke is playing by the seashore when he finds a goldfish trapped in a jar. But Ponyo isn't like an ordinary fish. In fact, soon she isn't a fish at all, having turned herself into a little girl. Sosuke is happy because he has someone to play with, but there are suddenly great storms at sea that seem in some way to be connected to Ponyo's transformation... Made by the great Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki and inspired by Hans Christian Anderson s tale of the Little Mermaid, Ponyo is a magical and touching animated adventure that will prove entrancing to younger audiences. What the critics think I really enjoyed this film because it was funny, sweet and magical. The scenery is beautiful and vibrant. Film club member Dorothy, aged 10 This beautiful, quirky fable has magic other children's movies can't touch. Dan Kois, Washington Post

10 Before the film: Starter Activity 1. Create your own sea fairytale main character and introduce them in one sentence. Think about how they look and behave and the special powers they have. After the film: Discussion Questions 1. Does the story of Ponyo remind you of another story about a girl who lives in the sea and wants to be human? 2. Is Ponyo s father a good or a bad man? Why does he act the way he does? 3. What does Sosuke have to do in order to allow Ponyo to become a human? 4. What does Ponyo have to give up in order to become human? Why? Next Steps 1. Get your students voices heard by joining Into Film, running a film club and writing reviews at 2. Get your students to think about a possible storyline for Ponyo 2 in groups. Each group must prepare a pitch for their sequel. Use the Ponyo 2 Pitching Worksheet. Teacher Notes 1. Ponyo was inspired by Hans Christian Anderson s fairy tale The Little Mermaid which was turned into a successful Disney animation in Ponyo s father Fujimoto is not a bad man but he is scared of humans so wants to keep Ponyo in the sea with him and her sisters. He therefore acts the way he does because he wants to protect Ponyo from the humans he thinks will harm her like Sosuke and Lisa. 3. Sosuke must prove to Ponyo s mother Gran Mamere that he loves Ponyo for who she really is. He does this by telling Gran Mamere that he loves Ponyo whether she is a human or a fish. 4. Ponyo must give up her powers in order to become a human. In doing this she is able to lead the same life as them, without magic and not be treated differently.

11 Ponyo 2 pitching worksheet With your group, you must be pitch your idea for Ponyo 2 to your teacher who is the Studio Executive and persuade them to fund your sequel. Your pitch should be a maximum of 3 minutes long and must include the following: 1. An explanation of the storyline of Ponyo A list of characters and actors to provide their voices. 3. A persuasive poster to advertise the film. 4. A performance of a 30 second trailer to give a sneak peek into what the film is about. Success criteria Try to make your sequel as interesting as possible and refer back to Ponyo Think carefully about the actors that you will use to provide voices and be prepared to explain why you have chosen them Make sure that your poster will appeal to both children and their parents Your trailer should be fun, fast-paced and informative

12 The Singing Ringing Tree (1957, U) 75 mins Enrichment Focus This film resource is aimed at ages 7+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation, relationships. What s this film about? German children s film based on a Brothers Grimm style fairy tale, which has become an unlikely cult movie. Why this film? First broadcast on British TV in the 1960s, The Singing Ringing Tree had quite an effect on the nation's youth, with many being able to recall its nightmarish qualities years later. It tells the story of a selfish princess who is unable to love and has her beauty marred as punishment, while the sad prince who loves her is turned into a lonely, and not particularly nice, bear. The film s wild design, early use of special effects and uncompromising message certainly make an impression and reveal the darker side of fairytales. What the critics think I think this movie was good I liked the way it looked like it was a pantomine and I liked how the prince turned into a bear.i thought that it didn't matter that the props were old looking.i would love to watch it again and I especially liked the back ground music,i would definitely recommend this to anyone. Film club member Alice, aged 9 I liked it because for small children it would be like a story being read before them. Film club member Alexander, aged 8

13 Teacher Notes - Key Stage 1 Before the film: Starter Activity What do you predict this film is about? After the film: Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the magical dwarf was so keen to cause mischief? 2. How does the soundtrack and narration affect your viewing of the film? 3. What do you think is the moral of this film? 4. The Singing Ringing Tree gave a lot of children nightmares when it was shown on British television in the 1960s. Why do you think this was? 5. If you were remaking this film today how would you improve the special effects? Next Steps 1. Get your students voices heard by joining Into Film, running a film club and writing reviews at 2. The Singing Ringing Tree is inspired by tales by The Brothers Grimm. Get your students to write the story of the film to go into the DVD sleeve liner. Photocopy The Singing Ringing Tree worksheet to help them (they may need multiple copies depending on how detailed their stories are. Teacher Notes 1. This is open to interpretation because there is no obvious reason for the dwarf s actions. He is essential to the story and causes the dilemma on which the plot hangs will the princess fall in love with the prince who has been turned into a bear by the dwarf? 2. The music starts gently and echoes the steady trot of the Prince s horse with flutes and horns. When they reach the grotto organ music is introduced and it becomes less melodic and stranger and hints at the danger that the dwarf represents. The narration is not dubbed, the sound was just turned down and the English recorded over the top. You can hear the original German dialogue. Young people might find this distracting or an advantage to learn new words in another language. 3. The princess is punished for being cruel to everyone and the animals by being made ugly. When she is kind to the animals only then can her outer beauty match her new inner beauty. 4. Remind students that the Brothers Grimm s original fairy tales were scary because they were intended to encourage children to think about the consequences of their actions. Ask students for their opinions. You can also play them the BBC radio documentary on the impact of the film on children in the 1960s: singing_ringing_tree.shtml 5. Ask students to think about the circle of fire, when the dwarf flies and the way that the characters transform on the screen.

14 The Singing Ringing Tree worksheet 1. Use the sheet below to plan the pages and illustrations. 2. Write your story. 3. Create an illustrated book of your story that can fit inside a DVD case. The Singing Ringing Tree Success criteria Try to use fairy tale conventions such as Once upon a time... Have a clear narrative structure including an introduction, build-up of action, dilemma, climax and resolution. Use interesting adjectives and connectives Create a colourful, illustrated book to fit inside the DVD case for the film.

15 Penelope (2007, U) 86 mins Enrichment Focus This Film Resource is aimed at ages 9+. Suggested subjects for discussion are storytelling, characterisation, relationships. What s this film about? Original, touching film about a young woman who due to a family curse has a pig's snout instead of a nose, and is pursued by a cruel journalist. Why this film? Most of us have parts of our appearance that we're not totally happy with but we probably don't have the issues of Penelope. She's a smart and sensitive young woman who, as the victim of a family curse, has grown up having the snout of a pig instead of an ordinary nose. Having spent much of her young life hidden away, she's then pursued by a mean-spirited photographer who want to make a fortune from taking a picture of her and selling it to the highest bidder. But when his plan results in a case of mistaken identity and, at first, a broken heart for Penelope, it sets her on the road to solving her problems and facing the world. What the critics think This film was about love, sadness, happiness and fantasy. Film Club member Megan, aged 10 A confident narrative grasp and eccentric visual style creates a richly imagined canvas that blends old worlds and new. David Rooney, Variety

16 Before the film: Starter Activity Can you think of a creative curse for a fairy tale? After the film: Discussion Questions 1. Why was a curse put on the Wilhern family? Do you think that it was fair? 2. How did the curse affect Penelope s life? 3. Do you think that Max is a hero or a villain? 4. How was the curse finally broken? 5. Penelope is a modern fairy tale - how is it different from the traditional fairy tales that you know? Think about settings and characters. Next Steps 1. Get your students voices heard by joining Into Film, running a film club and writing reviews at 2. Use the My Modern Fairy Tale worksheet to help your students modernise a traditional fairytale Teacher Notes 1. The curse was put on them by a witch whose daughter got pregnant by the Wilherns son. The family refused to let him marry her and he marries another noble. The witch s daughter throws herself off of the cliff. 2. Penelope was hidden away from the world and had no freedom or friends in her life. When potential husbands see her nose they run away. When Penelope runs away from home she finally gets some freedom, a best friend and new experiences, even if she has to hide from her parents. 3. Max was a villain at first because he was a gambler and agreed to be paid by the reporter Lemon to take a photograph of Penelope. Also he stole the identity of the real Max Campion so was not really blue-blood. So when he refused to marry Penelope to break the curse it looked like he was being cruel but he knew that he would be unable help Penelope. 4. The curse can be lifted only by one of her own which Penelope s family thought meant a man of noble birth. When Penelope admits that she likes herself just the way she is, the curse is broken and she has a human nose. She had the power within her all along. 5. Penelope is set in the modern world and in a city. The characters are more rounded and there is comedy provided by the character of Annie. Ask students if it reminds them of any other fairy tales.

17 My Modern Fairy Tale worksheet 1. Think of a fairytale that you would like to modernise. 2. Fill in the organiser below to help you plan your story. 3. Tell your version of the story to your class. 4. Write your story and create a storybook to share with Key Stage 1 children. Traditional fairy tale My fairytale Hero / Heroine Evil character Magical character Set in castle or woods Obstacle or task Overcoming evil Moral Happy ending Success criteria Try to use fairy tale conventions such as Once upon a time... Have a clear narrative structure including an introduction, build up of action, dilemma, climax and resolution. Use interesting adjectives that are suitable for your audience. Include a range of connectives and punctuation.