Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

College of Teacher Education-Graduate Studies
Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Leslie D. Cacabelos Fatima F. Rocamora, Ed. D

Student Professor

EDAD 305- EDUCATIONAL LAWS, PROBLEMS and ISSUES

MOVIE REVIEW – Every Child is Special

Taare Zameen Par

(titled Like Stars on Earth internationally)

This is a 2007 Indian drama film produced and directed by Aamir Khan. The film

explores the life and imagination of Ishaan, an 8-year-old dyslexic child. Although he

excels in art, his poor academic performance leads his parents to send him to a boarding

school. Ishaan's new art teacher suspects that he is dyslexic and helps him to overcome

his disability.

The characters of the story acted very realistically and dramatically. They showed the

right and appropriate emotions where the audience can actually feel the play of emotions.

Though the story is simple, it is heartwarming and very suggestive of an in-depth

retrospect on how we deal with other individuals who we see as different from us.

I like the way the story gave emphasis on how a differently abled sees the world. I

love the way they clarified that when these special children daydream, it is to a world that

is far more creative, far more enticing and much more peaceful. It made me realize, that

the daydreams that these special children has, has nothing to do with escaping reality,

rather, it is another world seen by their eyes in a way, claiming a perfect, innocent world

with no pain at all, where all the sweet and innocent smiles go. They do not want to go

there or be part of that world. They are just seeing that other world and appreciating its

beauty and innocence.

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 I am also touched on the way bullying incidences were portrayed in the film. My

very own son experiences both verbal and physical bullying in school, which in turn

makes him violent as well. I hope with the enlightenment of the “Anti-bullying Act”, the

prevalence of the bullying cases be reduced if not eliminated. I was so touched with how

other students treat Ishaan with no mercy, compassion and understanding as to what

makes him different from the others. They laughed and mocked him, and makes the

situation even harder and unbearable to Ishaan which is really happening in school. The

poor kids with special needs don’t stand a chance at all.

Likewise, parents should really have an open mind when it comes to the discipline

they apply. Positive discipline is a much more trending and effective means to discipline

a child for it will not only leave positive and encouraging marks but also mark the traces

of gentleness and love.

Two sets of teachers were also presented in the film. One who is only after the

academic understanding with no moral and humane consideration and the other who

wanted a holistic transformation. We as teachers, should always remember that we do not

only develop the mind and intellect of our students, we also prepare them to be the best in

this world and to be humane and compassionate to others. How can we bring out those

potentials if we ourselves were the monsters behind those violence and discrimination?

We should be like Nikumbh who loves unconditionally.

Suicide is also a very alarming situation nowadays which should be addressed both

by the school and the family. All the institutions of the society should be on the lookout

on the possible situations that may trigger suicidal attempts. All individuals should be

made to understand the danger, effects and possible outcomes bullying and

depression can cause into an individual. Each and everyone should be a helping a hand

to one another.

All in all, the movie is enlightening and an eye opener to how we should treat others

who are differently abled but special in their very own ways.

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