Welcome to our third and final week of movies with scouting values. This week we will be looking at Mulan, Beasts of the Southern Wild and The boy who harnessed wind.
Have you seen any of the films we have featured over the last few weeks? If you have, let’s know your thoughts. Please leave comments below, tell us what you thought about them.
Mulan (1998)
Suitable for: Beavers and up
It’s the 15th century and China is facing invasion from the Huns, a nomadic tribe keen to conquer the land. In an effort to gather defence, one man from every family is called to arms. But for the patriarch of the Fa family – a former warrior of great fame and respect – there are issues preventing him from fulfilling his duties. In old age, he cannot walk properly, and is certain to perish as soon as he steps into battle. That’s when his brave daughter, Mulan – tired of being mocked for being too ambitious and too tomboyish – decides to go on a secret mission to prove her worth in a society she feels is yet to acknowledge it. One dark and stormy night, she prays to her family’s ancestors for protection before fleeing into the heart of the conflict, dressed in her farther’s armour and disguised as a man. What follows is a classic Disney story of bravery, honour and a quest for love and truth – with a difference. Released at a time where the only other princesses on screen were mostly seen swanning around in big ball gowns and fainting
at the feet of their admirers, it stood out for all the right reasons, and continues to show girls they can do anything.
Scout values: integrity, belief, co-operation
Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
Suitable for: Cubs and up
‘The whole universe depends on everything fitting together just right. If one piece busts, even the smallest piece, the entire universe will get busted.’ Set in the fictional landscape of the Bath Tub (often compared to areas of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina), this is the tale of Hushpuppy, a heroic six year old who – faced with a changing climate that threatens to flood what remains of her childhood home – decides to fight back. Along the the way, she must sail the seas, battle ancient creatures unleashed from the melting ice caps, and find her feet in an increasingly hostile world. It’s a fable that’s hard to describe, but don’t let the quirky appearance fool you. Beneath the whimsey is a film of lasting depth: a celebration of friendship forged across generations, the power of imagination and the importance of never giving up. It’s a tough watch in places, with moderate swearing and several harsh truth bombs that reveal the deep divide between the rich and the poor. But watch it with young people aged eight and above and it’s sure to become a firm favourite.
Scout values: integrity, care, co-operation
The Boy who Harnessed the Wind (2019)
Suitable for: Scouts and up
It’s 2001 in Malawi and the Kamkwamba family, like many others in the region, are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the burdensome financial costs, parents Trywell and Agnes try to keep on top of their children’s education. But when 13 year old William is forced to leave school after they fall behind on his payments, he becomes determined to help not only his family but the whole community, who are all doing their best to deal with an escalating famine
as violence and panic begin to break out. Inspired by instructions he finds in a a library book, William becomes
obsessed with the potential and wonder of basic engineering and building techniques, rising early and going to bed late in order to tirelessly research and work on a wind-powered device that he hopes will help to restore the land, and save as many people as possible while there’s still time. What follows is an amazing true story of a real-life hero; a
remarkable teen who harnessed his initiative and curiosity to change his community – before becoming one of
the world’s most famous engineers.
Scout values: integrity, co-operation
Words: Aimee-lee Abraham | Illustrations: Maria Suarez-Inclan. Courtesy of Summer Scouting Magazine
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