Save the Last Dance

Bibliographic Information
Title: Save the Last Dance
Type of Media: DVD
Director: Thomas Carter
Actors: Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: June 19, 2001
Curriculum Ties: Racism
Rating: PG-13








Plot Summary
This DVD is an inspiring story of someone who must rise from the ashes of a traumatic event and discovers she needs the help of another in order to do so. Sara had big dreams of becoming a ballet dancer but when her mother died she gave it all up. After having to move in with her father she enters a new school of mostly African-Americans were she struggles to fit in.
Derek is an easy going, intelligent young man with a bright future himself. When he meets Sara at school he is immediately attracted to her and once he figures out what is holding her back he is determined to help her break free and fly once again.

Critical Evaluation
This movie does a good job of showing what different lives look like and how racism still exists in society and how easily we can overcome it. As this is not the main theme of the movie it is more subtle than most others. The biggest theme is not giving up on what your dreams are even when times are difficult. We all will struggle and face adversity in different ways but we can rise above it all. This movie is sweet and encouraging and is definitely geared towards a teen crowd.

Reader's Annotation
An inspiring film that will make you want to pursue the dreams you started to think were out of reach.

Possible Challenges

• Romance
• Violence
• Alcohol and drug use

Defense File

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Reason for Inclusion
This is a great movie that showcases teenagers who overcome adversity of different kinds. It is uplifting but also has a lot of the drama that teens like in movies making it an easy sell with a great lesson to be learned.