The commitments Part 2)

Today we are going to see the second part of the movie "The commitments".

The film is based on the book of the same name by Roddy Doyle

Many of Roddy Doyle's books are based on the north side of Dublin where there have been a lot of problems of unemployment, social isolation and addiction.

The characters in the film (book) reflect this misery. Their language, social values and lifestyles reflect the problems which they face.

So, how can you find a way of getting out of the circle of poverty?
Traditionally, music and sports have been a way for people to break the circle of poverty and achieve success.

This is the story of the Rise and Fall of the Commitments- "the hardest working band in the world"

After the film I want you to discuss why you think they chose soul music as their goal?

What are the roots of soul music?

What other ways are there for people from the ghetto to succeed in life?

Why did their dream go wrong? What should they have done differently?

Can you think of any examples in real life of successful groups who have broken up and gone their own way?

Finally, the film was almost like a musical. Before that was a very popular kind of film. Why do you think it is not popular today?

Discuss these questions.

Finally how many people have already read their book and would like to do the questions in week 10?

Hope you have a great holiday.

See you on the  8th March