Scarborough is the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Over the course of a school year, 3 kids in a low-income neighbourhood find community and friendship at ... Read allScarborough is the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Over the course of a school year, 3 kids in a low-income neighbourhood find community and friendship at a drop-in reading program.Scarborough is the film adaptation of the award-winning novel by Catherine Hernandez. Over the course of a school year, 3 kids in a low-income neighbourhood find community and friendship at a drop-in reading program.
- Awards
- 13 wins & 10 nominations
- Directors
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Laura is wandering in the TTC subway system as she's often unsupervised, a store owner gives her a Jamaican beef patty to eat. This is a mainstay street food across cultures in Scarborough and Toronto.
- Quotes
Clara: ~Skipping rope with Sylvie, turns to Laura and says to her... ~ Why is your hair so oily? And why are you wearing your backpack, it's recess you know?
Sylvie: Just leave her alone. Come on Clara, let's just play okay?
Clara: ~Still targeting Laura~. Are you new or something?
Sylvie: She's from the literacy center.
Clara: Dad says that's where the poor kids get breakfast.
Sylvie: God damn it Clara! My mom says you're nothing but a snooty bitch!
Clara: I'm telling Ms. Finnigan!
Sylvie: Go on, go tell her. I'm never letting you play with my skipping rope ever again.
Clara: I don't care, I've got 5 skipping ropes at home. ~Sylvie snatches skip rope~. Uh, get back here with that. ~Sylvie runs away and Clara chases her~
Sylvie: Get away from me, snooty little brat.
Let's address the folks that found aspects of this movie somehow "distasteful". To do this, we have to first recognize the socioeconomic circumstances of the characters.
Let's start with Ms. Mina who is criticized by some viewers as breaking "professional" boundaries. This is not only an extremely narrow-minded and privileged outlook on the portrayal of teachers in low-income community programs but overlooks the aspects of being human. Ms. Mina builds connections with the parents and students to help them have a sense of normalcy in their complicated lives outside the class. These are 'some' of the same critics who would have no problem with Hillary Swank's character breaking boundaries in the movie "Freedom Writers", but when it's a Muslim teacher wearing a hijab, it's somehow controversial. It's tough being a coordinator or teacher for such community programs, some teachers have had to take out of their own wallets just to provide for students like myself when I was a kid, and their actions went a long way for kids like me. Being a compassionate teacher goes a long way, especially for vulnerable students who live under stressful conditions on a daily. It is rare to find a gem who dedicates their heart and soul at government funded community centres, Ms. Mina embodies what teachers should be, the opposite of detached and cold.
A few comments also mentioned the stereotypes in this movie, I can assure you they are not residents of Scarborough. These are not stereotypes but the harsh realities and true stories echoed by some in the community.
And lastly, if you found this movie "too heavy", that simply is the nature of life. Not everything can be sunshines and rainbows. The world is complex and full of emotions, this movie reflects just that. This movie is no cheesy Hollywood show like "This Is Us". It reflects the realities faced by so many living in low income neighbourhoods. When in Toronto, I encourage you to come to Scarborough, experience the vibrant cultures, food and meet people in the community. Only then can you judge for yourself.
- azappleproduct
- Aug 20, 2022
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Scarborough - Um Bairro Canadense
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime2 hours 16 minutes
- Color