EFL Geek provides some insight and a link to the site for the English Teacher, and I have to say – I want to see it!
It was filmed all on location in South Korea and follows the drama of the life of one American English teacher in Seoul.
It surprises me a bit that there hasn’t been a movie with a TEFL theme before. I believe there is a series from the UK about an ESL class there (not Fawlty Towers but another one…three points for any reader who can name it) but EFL in the cinema is very much on its early legs. I’m aware of some travel-themed movies, which all seem to share some element of horror (The Beach, Hostel, Turista Go Home and Return to Paradise, though there are still the Griswolds, Before Sunrise and the Motorcycle Diaries) – but these don’t seem to be about expats or even longer-term stays abroad.
Is it a bad thing that the few films available on these themes often play on people’s fears or stereotypes: EFL teachers go abroad to party, use drugs, and sleep with students (or in the case of travel-themed movies, going abroad is just generally dangerous)? In a sense, yes, but movies need people to go see them as well. And while the stereotypes are obviously not always true, there may be something behind them. I should point out that I don’t know how much English Teacher plays with these stereotypes, and certainly don’t mean to come across as critical. In fact this movie tops my list for the TEFL connection!
I don’t know what my movie options are from where I am, but if any of my readers has seen this film, speak up and give a review! The TEFL Logue promises to investigate and report back if when there is more to be said.
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I claim my three points! It was called “Mind your language”, showed in Britain in the 1960s or 70s (two points for anyone who can be more precise???) and starred John Alderton. It bore about as much resemblance to the real teaching situation as this film probably does ….
While I’ve never heard of any other film about an EFL teacher, I know there is someone who writes thrillers set in an EFl context. Another three points for anyone who knows the name ?
And the winner is Sue! That’s the one. I haven’t actually seen it but have heard lots about it. Thrillers set in an EFL context?! I’d be up for some of those and could probably contribute a few stories! Anyone?
Another movie and one that is worth watching is Please teach me English. It’s a Korean film and bloody hilarious.
Good one to add to the list. EFL Geek, the email on the English Teacher site doesn’t work - do you have any info on how to get ahold of this film (so the TEFL Logue might review it?)?
Check some Torrent sites or ebay.
Good call…and yikes, I’m probably going to reveal my technological ineptitude here by admitting I’ve never even heard of Torrent sites or bought anything on ebay. Time for the TEFL Logue to join the 21st century! I hope this doesn’t mean dispensing with my fax machine or Walkman…Just kidding.
My Walkman broke in December on its own.
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