The Hobart
Shakespeareans (Documentary)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C Documentary: B
In yet another little-heard great triumph in education,
educator Rafe Esquith fights to teach children in a tough Los Angeles
neighborhood who are mostly Latino and Asian American. But he is armed with the work of The Bard
and has the extraordinary capacity to bring it home to all of them in real
life. Mel Stewart’s documentary The
Hobart Shakespearians (2005) is a triumphant capturing of a huge ray of hope
in the middle of a school in a very violent neighborhood.
Esquith is doing this tirelessly ands with amazing
passion, giving more than he will on some level never get back. If that is not a great American hero, than I
do not know what is. Fortunately, this
critic is not alone in this opinion, as he has slowly but surely gained more
and more support. He is a one of a kind
educator who will hopefully inspire unique and innovative in more teachers with
heart, because the elitist, know-it-all, arrogant, who cares,
pseudo-professional approach of too many teachers has failed the system hugely
and is ruining our education system.
Michael York and Sir Ian McKellan even show up to visit in what are
nothing short of magic moments Stewart is lucky to capture. Don’t miss this show!
The 1.33 x 1 image was shot on analog NTSC video, is
recent and looks good for its recent vintage.
Detail has the usual limits, but is clean. The Dolby Digital 2.0 is good location stereo, better than most
such productions we have seen lately.
Extras include a text and an on camera interview with director Stewart.
- Nicholas Sheffo
