• Author / Uploaded
• Rizza R. Cabrera

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Introductory Paragraph The movie Like Stars on Earth is a very inspiring story about a boy (Ishaan) who has dyslexia- a specific learning disability in reading. With the help of his art teacher he was able to express his dreams and desire. Title: Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth) by Aamir Khan Publication Information: Released on December 21, 2007 in INDIA, 2h 45min Genre: Drama, Family, Musical Movie’s thesis/Theme/ Purpose: “Every child is special”. “Every child has their own capabilities, dreams and desires”. Raise awareness for dyslexic individuals.

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SUMMARY OF THE PLOT Ishaan Awasthi is an eight year old boy and a third grade student who has trouble in reading and solving mathematical problems but very talented and very imaginative. He is the exact opposite of his brother, Yohaan, a scholar and an athlete. According to Ishaan the words and numbers are dancing. His teachers not knowing about his real learning condition always berated him and sends him outside the classroom as his punishment. Soon he begin skipping school and deliberately showing behavior to avoid trouble and or bad test results. One day he asked his brother to forge the signature of his mother to allow him to be excuse in the class. Later on it was discovered by his parents when they were called in the principal’s office. His father, Nandkishore Awasthi, decided to transfer and send him in a very strict boarding school New Era Boarding School. Ishaan’s mother, Maya Awasthi though is frustrated because he can’t help his child. Ishaan became so depressed that he would be separated from his family. He even had a flipbook showing a boy slowly departing from his family. Things are no different in his new school plus an added trauma of not seeing his family. He was bullied and belittled because he is poor in writing and can’t read but Rajan Damodharan, a physically disabled boy befriended him. One day, a new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, came to their class. He is good in painting full of joy and very optimistic. He entered the class in clown costume and began singing and dancing. Ram notice Ishaan’s behavior and sets out to discover why. He first ask Ishaan’s friend, Rajan, he said Ishaan has lots of red markings in his books, he discovered that his handwritings are similar to what he has been years ago. He went to Ishaan’s house and talked to his parents. Ishaan’s mother showed Ishaan’s notebooks and drawings. He then explained that Ishaan is suffering from dyslexia – a learning disability that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling and that he needs help and support. Ram Shankar Nikumbh returns to school and consequently he discuss about dyslexia in the class. He showed a list of famous people who were dyslexic, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci to name a few and later on he revealed that he too is dyslexic and faced the same problems similar to Ishaan. Ram Shankar Nikumbh became so persistent to help Ishaan. He speaks with the principal that Ishaan needed time to learn because he has dyslexia. Soon he became Ishaan’s personal tutor. He gives him his time and patiently working together to improve his learnings. Soon after Ishaan finally find himself. He can now read and write. One day his teacher headed a painting contest that is open to all, whether students or teachers. This is actually to showcase that Ishaan’s work is exceptional and that he is worth giving a shot. Early morning Ishaan woke up and find his inspiration outside. The contest already started but Ishaan is nowhere to be seen. Ram became so worried because Ishaan might lose his big day. Luckily, Ishaan like a star on Earth, stood up, prepared with his art materials, he then find his place to start on his canvass. In the end Ishaan won the contest and became the cover of their school’s yearbook. His parents were so proud that he is no longer belittled by his teachers instead they only hear words that are uplifting to their child.

ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION The Director successfully achieved his purpose of reminding us, that every child is special. They have their own capabilities, dreams and desires even a child who has learning or mental disability. It has shown that even in today’s world, a lot of formal schools are directed to teach students to compete, succeed and make future that more often than not the individual difference of every child is neglected. Sometimes what a person can offer to the world is not one of the major interest areas such as science or mathematics. Encouragement should be given where children excel, though it may be art or another. Education is for all and everyone should have an equal opportunity. The characters are well portrayed accompanied by right timing of music. The soundtracks are just so perfect which sets the mood of the scenes. This is actually the strengths of the movie, its musical sequence are just so seamless which establish the feelings of each characters. Although the music is in Hindi, the English translation helps me understand the songs and I was moved and touched by the heartfelt tracks particularly when Ishaan cried in loneliness in his first days in boarding school. I then realize how hard it was for a young child to be completely away from his family. Although the movie portrays the current situation in the actual classroom and in home I believed that the script missed the side of the parents. Teacher Ram, should also explain to Ishaan that he was truly loved by his parents, they just don’t know about his learning problem. They are not aware and don’t know how to handle this kind of condition. But in totality, I would personally recommend this movie to be viewed by many including teachers and parents. And as future teachers we need to understand that every child has individual differences. We should put extra attention to students with learning problems. As parent one should also be mindful of what their child’s condition, acceptance, support and love