Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Stand and Deliver is a 1988 movie based on the true story of an inspiring math teacher in a struggling inner city Los Angeles high school who, through his hard work and tireless dedication, helps his students live up to their full potential and succeed at AP Calculus. This film deals with mature themes and language. Gangs threaten violence, and there's a scene in which students are chased through the hallways of the school by someone trying to hit them with a chain. While overall, the film does show what can be achieved when a tough but fair teacher brings out the best in his students--students who are shown struggling with the difficulties of their neighborhoods, family life, and the pains of adolescence--there are some scenes in which some of what the teacher says would be seen by everyone concerned as inappropriate by today's standards, including a scene in which a girl with a reputation for being "easy" is "slut shamed" by the teacher. While she does stand up for herself, the teacher has no repercussions for his remarks, or even an awareness that what he said is highly inappropriate. There is also some profanity--Latino slang for "a--hole" and "fat girl" mixed in with English curse words.
Sexual
Content
The teacher makes comments about the attractiveness of female students, and asks a female student if "intelligent people make better lovers." In another instance, he creates a story problem in which the students must figure out how many girlfriends each "gigolo" has. One girl has a reputation for being "easy," and in one scene the teacher engages in what would now be called "slut shaming;" while the student stands up for herself, the teacher makes no acknowledgement that what he said was inappropriate. A student makes a joke referencing bisexuals.
Violence
Gangs threaten violence; a teacher pursues three kids through the school with chains. A fistfight. A teen throws a bottle at a window while leaning out the side of a car.
Language
Occasional profanity: "S--t" and "A--hole" along with various Latino curse words. Use of the word "premature" from a high school administrator leads to a sex-related joke from a high school student.
Social
Behavior
This film features complex, realistic Latino students -- and a teacher willing to believe in them (though he does make sexist comments). There's a lot of macho bravado in and out of the classroom. Parents undermine their kids' academic dreams. A teacher refuses to believe her students are capable of excellence. Overall, the movie shows the positive benefits when students are given an environment in which to live up to their fullest potential.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Adults smoke cigarettes and drink beer.
