Alike

Film commentary: Alike

This educational and entertaining cartoon is an excellent way to reflect on social norms.
Should we conform to the customs and accept the ways of thinking or acting of the majority?
In our societies that try to standardize, can we get off the beaten track?

The use of colour to express the state of mind of the characters is very interesting.
A particularly interesting theme to study in class with pupils from the first grade onwards.
What is the social influence on our behaviour? Why respect social norms?
Not to be noticed? Not to be left out?Is iteasier to fit in with a group?
Does being different and breaking free from the shackles of our society harm others?

Using examples of everyday situations, children will be able to reflect on conformism.
Conformism in behaviour, food and clothing conformism.

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www.alike.es Discover the making of the film

Making Of : Alike

Question the film: Alike

Understand the story, the theme, express your sensibility and exercise your critical mind.

The main issues of the film, such as the role of school, the pleasure of learning, the rules that must be assimilated in order to live in society, are sufficiently close to children that it is not necessary to dwell on them. On the other hand, we could spend more time on the notion of conformism, what it means and how it is expressed in the film. This opens up many questions. What is the social influence on our behaviour? Why do we respect social norms? Not to be noticed? Not to be left out? To fit in more easily with a group? Does being different and breaking free from the shackles of our society harm others?
It is interesting to follow the development of the father's relationship with the child. His change in behaviour mirrors the viewer's own understanding.

The aesthetics of Alike are made up of small, discreet touches, restrained emotions, and innuendos, which can be interesting to explore with children, once the general meaning has become clear. We should of course discuss the use of colour as an indicator of the individuality of the characters, of their ability to "be in tune" with themselves.
Many ideas are conveyed through visual metaphors, which bring the film closer to the inventions of silent cinema, a relationship that can be developed through examples.

1 Name the different places where the story takes place?
The house, the streets of the town, the school, the office.
2 Do the father's office and the boy's school seem pleasant to you?
They are forced to do things they don't like; they don't feel like themselves there.
3 Why does the little boy's joy in learning the alphabet disappear in the course of the film?
Because he is not allowed to draw it in any other way than as the model.
4 If you had to position the tables or organise the space in your dream classroom, what would you do?
Make one big table, change every day, give the teacher a normal table...
5 Why do you think some characters are in colour while others are in grey?
The characters are in grey when they are following what everyone else is doing.
6 What is the little boy's dream?
To become an artist?Toplay the violin in the street?
5 What is themost important thing to keep learning fun?
Listen to the students' desires and inventions.

Download the PDF of the film's educational activities

Created with the support of the Ministry of Education and the CNC.
Viewing of the film with the family, educational activities with parents at home and with teachers in class.
Drawing an original alphabet (Plastic arts) (Cycle 2 and 3)
Educational activities proposed by Bruno Pellier based on the film Alike.
The reversal game (EMC) (Cycle 2 and 3)
Educational activities proposed by Bruno Pellier based on the film Alike.

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