Movie Analysis

COM 309 Intercultural Communication

Assignment: Movie Analysis of Cultural Portrayals

For this assignment, you will explore cultural portrayals in the popular media. Much of our initial

exposure to other cultures comes through the media. We form ideas, opinions, beliefs, etc. about other

cultures based on media portrayals. You will focus on one particular movie that is either set in

another culture, focuses on a particular cultural group different than your own, or involves

cultural conflict or negotiation as a primary theme. Some possibilities are listed below --- you are

probably aware of others that you may choose from as well. If you would like to choose a movie that

is not listed below. please check with me – it is most likely OK, but I’d like you to run it by me.

Watch the movie from the approach of a culture learner. First, write a ½-1 page summary of the movie

and the plot. Then assess the following areas of the movie – you should write a well-developed

paragraph for each of the question areas below, yielding a well-developed analysis paper. Your

assignment should be about 4-5 pages, typed, double-spaced.

** First, write a ½-1 page summary of the movie and plot.

1) What role does culture shock play in the movie (if any)? Who experiences culture shock? How is it handled?

2) What key turning points did you observe in the movie?

3) What value clashes/conflicts did you see in the movie? Assess how they were handled.

4) What can you learn about the culture portrayed in the movie---values, norms, etc.? Think about the traditions and behaviors you observed in the movie. Give specific

examples.

5) What orientation systems, cultural dimensions, and/or theories, can you apply to the culture(s) portrayed based on what you observed in the movie? (for example, think about

dimensions like individualism, collectivism, power distance, masculinity, Kluckhohn &

Strodtbeck’s Value Dimensions chart, etc.)

6) List some specific communication differences between the cultures that you noticed in the movie. How did these communication differences affect relationships and situations in

the movie?

7) Optional: Include any thoughts you have about how the cultures were portrayed… concerns about the accuracy of cultural portrayals, etc.

Movie Suggestions Not an exhaustive list! Some movies contain adult themes, violence, etc.

(If you have other movie ideas, please feel free to ask me about it)

The Color Purple The Last Emperor

The City of Joy Mulan

Anna and the King Fiddler on the Roof

The Last of the Mohicans Life is Beautiful

Snow Falling on Cedars Higher Learning

Dances With Wolves Brokedown Palace

Remember the Titans Amistad

Green Card Not Without My Daughter

Knotting Hill Schindler’s List

Crash Hotel Rwanda

The Milagro Beanfield War Witness

Pleasantville (depicts how cultural change Slum Dog Millionaire

affects community) The Blind Side