Alike is a short film that is great for generating conversation about topics related to societal expectations, creativity, and work/life balance. I have used the film successfully in freshman university English conversation classes in South Korea. The lesson may be adapted or shortened depending on the amount of time you have and the level of your students. There are no words in the film, making it adaptable to various levels.
Alike Preview Questions
- What is creativity?
- What are the qualities of a good parent?
- What is the relationship between creativity and work?
First Jigsaw Grouping
After discussing one or more of the questions above, divide students into 5 groups. Each group is responsible for one of the following questions after watching the film. Provide each group with one of the questions below before they watch the film.
- What makes the father do something out of the ordinary?
- The father’s name is Copi. The son’s name is Paste. Why do you think the filmmaker chose these names?
- What problem(s) and solution(s) does the film show?
- How is color used in the film? Give examples.
- What do you think the film’s message is?
Here’s a link to the Alike video.
You can incorporate a prediction activity by stopping the video at 4:55 and asking, “What do you think will happen next?”
After finishing the film, students should discuss their group’s question. Encourage all members to share their ideas.
Second Jigsaw Grouping
Next, divide students into new groups by assigning each person in the first group a letter, such as A, B, or C. In the new groups all the As should be together, all the Bs together and all the Cs together. Students now share their groups’ answers to 1-5 above.
Time permitting and if some groups finish before others, they can choose from the list below. Each student can choose one question they would like to ask the group. Discuss as many questions as time permits.
Alike Critical Thinking Discussion Questions
- How can we create a balanced life?
- What gives people color?
- What makes people lose color?
- Why are play and creativity important for children?
- In what ways are children’s lives different than adults’ lives?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of routines?
- What is the difference between innovation and creativity?
- What are some simple ways to add more creativity to our lives?
- What role does music play in people’s lives?
- What are some everyday examples of bravery?
End the discussion with a whole class wrap up.
Alike was produced by Daniel Martínez Lara of Pepe-School-Land, a film school in Barcelona.
If you enjoyed the short and want to know more about it, visit Alike’s homepage.
