Spellbound is the extraordinary documentary that follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the National Spelling Bee competition.
1 A Powerful Documentary...
Spellbound offers an intriguing and thoughtful cinematic experience, which is slightly disconnected, as most people cannot even comprehend the stress that the children in the national spelling bee experience. Nonetheless, this review will try to muster a description of how it might feel to be one of the children in the national spelling bee in Washington D.C.
What makes these children unique is that they have not spelled one word wrong, and some of the words have been jaw breaking or tongue twisters. Initially, there were approximately 9 million children from almost every classroom throughout United States while now there are only 249 left standing awaiting their word from the judge in Washington D.C. Grand parents, parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and the rest of community are standing behind while the children participate in national spelling bee.
As a child there, overwhelming pressure rests upon your shoulders, as people you do not even know put up signs, or tell you that they wish you good luck. Day after day you remain indoors studying dictionaries from page to page while the pages are thumbed to unrecognizable jumbles of wrinkled paper. The day of the national spelling bee is drawing nearer, as you feel the amount of words that you are encountering continuously grow. From countless hours of studying you have discovered that you have only scratched a little on the tip of the iceberg. This feeds an internal anxiety that the judges will probably ask you a word you never heard of before. The anxiety feed by your wisdom in regards to vocabulary is augmented by additional best wishes, as you slowly turn into a lexicon junkie.
Some of you do not get the same appreciation, as others do in their community. Maybe, the positive reception is diminished, as academic success might not be favored as it is in the accelerated programs that some of your peers in the spelling be come from. However, you share one thought with all the other competitors - you are not like the other 9 million students in United States. You are different, unique, and most of all you have far greater memory and intellect than most your peers in your hometown or neighborhood. Some observe you as a freak while others deem you a genius. All of you come from different walks of life with different ethnic backgrounds. Yet, when you arrive to Washington D.C. you feel at home with the other competitors, as they are just like you.
You all feel the pressure while standing in front of the microphone. Some of you tremble in fear while others weep. You experience a new level of anxiety that you have never before thought possible while spelling out words letter by letter. A pause is common among your peers before the last letter, as all of you fear the possible sound of the bell that reminds you that you spelled the word wrong. If you do not hear the bell you feel an awesome rush of joy through your body, as the body's defense mode can relax while others might not be as lucky as you in their spelling.
The agony of spelling continues until you have won, or misspelled. Nonetheless, after the national spelling bee you feel relived not to have to do this again, if you are in eighth grade. However, if you are in grades below eighth grade you might have to do this again next year, which means a whole year of further preparations for next year so you can once again experience the rush of fear and trepidation through your body.
There was a moment in the film where a mother mentioned that someone had told her that the national spelling bee is a cruel form of child abuse. This seems be true to a degree, as each child comes from different homes with different kind of expectations. For some children, it seems worse than to others, as some parents take an exaggeratedly active roll in their child's performance while others are too neglectful of the talent that their child possesses. It would be interesting to see how the eight children that the film follows turn out in a documentary that would be made 15 years from now. This film has an attempt at doing this by interviewing pervious winners, but it does not show the emotional and psychological impact that the spelling bee had on the children. For example, there is one scene when a child is beginning to mutter incoherently while hives are breaking out around the temples of his head. Spelling is important to some degree, however, society might stress the importance of spelling a little too much while pushing our intelligent students in the 99th percentile to the limits.
2 Entertaining Documentary
I wouldn't call this documentary "riveting", but its an interesting look at the children involved in the spelling bees.
I give this only 3 stars because it was entertaining, but I was hoping to see a kid throw a chair after misspelling "Cornucopia" while the kid before him only had to spell "Aquatic".
My favorite part is a brief interview with a 10-year old Georgie, who many considered to be the favorite in the competition. He's dressed in a suit and offers up some life advice - "Numba one, Twust in Jesus. Numba two, wove yo famiwee."
3 Excellent educational movie about traditional spelling bee
Could you spell arcane and abstruse words like kookaburra and logorrhea? The young teenagers in this movie (between the ages of 8-12) could.
This movie is about the American tradition of the spelling bee, which most of us have nostalgic memories of. This movie is about the National Spelling Bee, where the stakes are much higher and the words are much tougher.
This movie inspired me because it was a movie that showed the great potential that the young people have. These kids in the movie were truly amazing and dedicated. They were all unique and very intelligent. There was the Indian kid who's father drilled him into studying very hard for the Spelling Bee. There was the shy girl who studied the dictionary all day and shunned going to shopping malls. There was the young 8-year old Indian boy who was home schooled and very smart. There was the girl from a small town in the country who's parents immigrated to this country with humble beginnings. This movie follows the lives of eight children who dreamed of being the National Spelling Bee champions-it's really a great movie.
In an age when most of the movies being produced for children are tacky action thrillers devoid of any educational value and relevance, here's a movie that is rated G and shows children that they should be interested in reading and learning. All of these kids in the movie were diligent and persistent, and that's a lesson that can help any child today.
4 Very Strong
When I rented this at the rental store, the girl behind counter made sure I knew it was a documentary. I had to laugh because I was renting it along with two other documentary films. I was very surprised when I viewed this one. The kids are great. The director has given us a look into the world of spelling bees. I remember being in one when I was in elementary school and I know why I lost now. Give this one a chance. It might sound a bit boring but you'll be glad to take the time. Next time the spelling bee is on ESPN you'll stop and watch for it. On the special features of the DVD you get a good update on where the kids are today.
5 Life as a Spelling Bee
Yes, it's a little slow, but interesting. They picked a very diverse group of kids to profile. The interesting thing to me was the different approaches each family took. Some of the families, like the Indian's boy's father, pulled out all the stops and really got involved to help his son. Other families were more passive in their support, and maybe somewhat baffled by their child's drive to compete. The one parent I thought missed the point was the Washington DC mom. She seems always to be looking for the negative. Even though she has a bright, healthy, self-motivated child, she is not happy. Not surpiringly her child takes it the hardest when she is eliminated from the competition.
Three things were very clear and reassuring (since this was real life on file):
- Intelligence alone, without hard work, falls short
- Knowing how to handle defeat may be a bigger 'win' than the top prize
- At the end of everything, no matter how the kids did, it was obvious that their parents loved them
6 D-U-H, duh
SPELLBOUND is an opportunity for the average adult viewer to both reminisce about the terror of being confronted with a word - say, "serendipitous" - in a grade school spelling bee, and concurrently realize that one remains orthographically challenged decades later.
SPELLBOUND follows eight elementary school students - 3 boys, 5 girls - from regional spelling contests to the Superbowl of orthography, the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. "Follows" is misleading as, in order to produce the documentary, the film makers apparently had to wait until the event was concluded, and then work backwards to tell the stories of a select handful of contestants out of the 200+ attending. After all, one of the eight proved to be the winner, and how could the film's creators have known? And the demographic diversity of The Eight reflects a conscientious effort at political correctness.
As I watched The Eight prepare and drill for the big game, usually with the help of parents, I realized that spelling proficiency at this level is an arcane talent not necessarily indicative of a well-rounded personality. (Much like a scientist so immersed in the life cycle of H-E-L-E-O-P-L-A-N-K-T-O-N that he can't balance a checkbook.) I was occasionally left thinking they should read more, as when a contestant could successfully spell a relatively common word while not knowing its meaning. That's why I was rooting for Nupur Lala, a young girl of Indian heritage - she seemed otherwise so "normal".
When the most obnoxious of The Eight succumbed to B-A-N-N-S (as in "marriage banns") and the boy's mother whined that he would've known it had the family been Catholic, and he himself complained that the contest's moderator hadn't pronounced the word properly - he did; I was born Catholic; I know - I decided this wasn't a marathon for sissies. When the going gets tough, the tough need to get going. As elimination rounds were played out and the words crossed the outer boundaries of my SpellCheck software and left me without a clue, the tension mounted.
Compared to such phenomenal documentaries as WINGED MIGRATION or THE ENDURANCE, SPELLBOUND rates perhaps one star. But, let's be J-O-N-N-I-C-K (jonnick = fair). This is a well-done and engaging portrayal of what I assume is perhaps a uniquely American ritual. And for Nupur, honor is due.
7 I thoroughly recommend this film!
I was lucky enough to be at the premiere of this film, in May of 2003 at the National Spelling Bee. We watched it at the beginning of what is dubbed "Bee Week," and if you have seen Spellbound I'm sure you can imagine what it did to my nerves. Thoughts such as "People study THAT much?" went through my head, and it was a bit difficult to enjoy the film with so much nervousness. Five of the spellers (all of the girls and none of the boys, coincidentally), the producer, and director were all there to answer the speller's questions about the film. "How did you spend the money?" was, of course, asked of Nupur Lala. (She said she saved most of it for college.) Anyway, I had a great time and it was neat to meet all of those people and get autographs, etc.
The movie didn't come out on video for quite a while, and unfortunately I haven't yet gotten to see the DVD version (I can't wait to see all those special features!). I have, however, watched the VHS (my uncle gave me the screener), and enjoyed it even more the second time around! Even though I don't personally know this "generation" of spellers (since it's the 1999 bee), the documentary is inspiring and beneficial to any speller (yet enjoyable for anyone else, as well). Watching Spellbound made my siblings think "Hey... that might be fun!" (And my pictures of DC helped too. This year they're studying hard!)
To conclude, I recommend this film to any and everyone, but ESPECIALLY anyone in 8th grade or younger who is eligible to participate in the Bee. Find more info on study materials at http://www.spellingbee.com and look into your local bees. It's a lot of fun and no, people rarely study 8 hours a day (1999 was a particularly hard year, I would say). However, it does take a lot of dedication so I don't reccomend it for everyone! Have fun & buy this movie as a starting point!
8 How do you spell banns?
I recently rented this wonderful documentary and it blew me away. Who knew that a spelling bee could be so entertaining. The kids are all pretty likeable(except for one, who is so obnoxious that I predict many wedgies in his future) and you will have a hard time choosing who to root for. They all seem pretty much like normal, well adjusted kids who just want to win.
There are some great and hilarious moments as well. Like when the son of Indian immigrants has a hard time spelling Darjeeling, the one contestant's mother who resembles Edith Bunker so much I keep waiting for her to shriek "Archieeeee", the weird kid's impression of a musical robot, etc.
The kids who were featured in this documentary are a very diverse lot, both racially and economically. So what you get is a nice slice of Americana. This is the documentary that should have won the Oscar.
9 What a refreshing change of pace
If you are like me and you have had it with cinema's over-the-top obsession with the coolness of traumatized youth (e.g. one more "Thirteen" and I will scream!), then you will be set back a little by the surprise to be had here. This is a great documentary! Shows a real slice of modern American living, focusing on our youth. This documentary has a lot to say about a lot of things, but the nice thing is that it doesn't come out and tell you that. If you want to pick up on them you can. Otherwise enjoy the suspense of watching the competition unfold. Who would have thought that a spelling bee would make for such interesting and compelling entertainment? Maybe filmmakers will get the idea that sex, drugs, and violence aren't all there is to being young.
10 I laughed, I sighed
I got this movie because my Mom wanted to see it. I never really cared for watching the Spelling Bee's on ESPN, I thought it was all kind of boring. But this movie puts it into new light. You get to see the stories of 8 kids, how they prepare for the international spelling bee and how they make it there. You realize the stress and hard work these kids go thru for it all. Even without the spelling bee aspect it would have been a good documentary on the differences between kids all over the country and how they handle the same situations in so many ways.
11 "I don't think [winning] really helped me in my love life!"
Spellbound isn't just about the annual Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington. The movie is also a quite engaging portrait about the lives of everyday American kids. Deliberately chosen from different cultural and economic backgrounds, the eight children portrayed do a great job of showing the rich and diverse tapestry of the American family. Loosely divided into two sections, the first half deals in-depth with their home lives, containing interviews with their parents and siblings, their teachers, and also the children's' efforts to win their respective regional spelling competitions. The second half recounts the big day in Washington, where the suspense of the competition is ratcheted up a notch, and all the kids have to perform under a pressure with the judges, organizers and parents looking on.
The kids are of course terrific - some are in it for the fun and enjoyment while others are taking it very seriously with an unadulterated determination to win. Angela is a gangly brunette and daughter of Mexican laborers in Texas. Nupur lives in Tampa, Florida and is the daughter of immigrants from India. She's a veteran of the 1998 national spelling bee but was eliminated in the third round. Ted, the son of farming parents, is a big, soft-spoken math lover from Rella, Missouri. Emily is a suburban horse rider and singer in a girl's chorus from New Haven, Connecticut. Ashley is a cute and bubbly black girl with a brilliant smile from a poor part of Washington DC. Neil lives in San Clemente, California and is child of wealthy Indian immigrants. Neil trains hard and is pushed by his over achieving father. April is the adorably eccentric daughter of former factory worker, now pub owner in Amber, Pennsylvania. And Harry from Glen Rock, New Jersey is an endearingly extraverted jokester who likes to talk like a musical robot.
Viewers will probably find themselves trying to spell the words for themselves as the tension mounts and the competition heats up. This is a quiet, well-mannered competition where the heroes are loners and thinkers that have a love of words and wordplay. There are also no hard feelings when the various kids are eliminated and some of them feel positively relieved that they don't have to study the dictionary anymore. A couple of the kids work and train unbelievably hard to prepare but none of the parents seem overly obnoxious or pushy, they're just wonderfully supportive, and several are loveably kooky.
There are some nice additions to the film with interviews with past winners, and there are some great reaction shots with the kids acting triumphant as they leave the mike after getting a hard word right or looking crest-fallen when a wrongly spelt word takes them out of the competition. The viewer will really feel for the kids who look befuddled and tense as they encounter an unfamiliar word. Spellbound is great fun and is a film that the whole family can endlessly enjoy. Mike Leonard September 04.
12 Makes spelling exciting!!
I have to admit that I didn't think a movie about the National Spelling Bee would be all that entertaining. I was wrong. This is a great movie that will have you on the edge of your seat. You'll be surprised (as I was) by what goes into preparing for a spelling bee. I was truly amazed at how dedicated these kids are. They spell thousands of words EVERY DAY, and some even have TUTORS who help them. Some of the kids have to overcome some pretty daunting obstacles in order to get to the big event. In fact, the father of one of the contestants speaks little, if any, English. When I watched this, I didn't realize that the events of the movie took place some years ago. It wasn't until I watched the "where are they now" extra that I realized most of the kids are now in college and all grown up. On a sad note, I read that the contestant from Washington, D.C. is now a single mom who had to put her dreams of college on hold. I think (if I'm remembering correctly) that someone read about her plight after watching this movie and is serving as a kind of benefactor for her. I hope she succeeds. She, along with the other youngsters spotlighted in this movie, deserves it. Even if the closest you'll ever get to the National Spelling Bee is watching coverage on ESPN, don't be afraid of this movie. It's F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C!
13 fascinating
This movie follows eight children as they prepare for and compete in the 1999 National Spelling Bee. What is most interesting about the film is to see the differences in economic and academic resources, family support and pressure, and individual talent and motivation and what impact these have in each student's outcome.
For anyone who has competed in spelling bees at any level, this shows what your competition would have been in the big leagues. It's is both humbling and inspiring.
A fascinating insight into the lives of tremendously diverse and talented children and their parents.
The DVD includes updates of where the children are now as well as profiles of three additional contestants.
14 A good doc.
Spellbound tell the story of 8 of 249 kids at the National Spelling Bee. It's an interesting documentary, even though it's a little slow during the D.C. spell-off. Also Harry, kind of ruined the doc. too. Way too hyper.
15 Two Thumbs Up from This Spelling Geek
My husband and I are veterans (and champions!) of adult-level spelling bees, so I felt really close to this movie. In fact, the movie had only been on for 11 minutes and I'd already started crying tears of joy when Angela won her regional bee, securing her place at the national Scripps-Howard bee in Washington, DC.
The kids profiled in this movie are fantastic. I found myself rooting for all of them, even the one or two who I didn't really like. I wanted to take little Harry home with me -- his facial expressions and his extended rambling about whether or not he could be considered "talkative" are just hysterical.
The parents are interesting as well. All of them are supportive of their children and have different ways of showing it. Neil's parents (especially his father) are a little intense, and it's easy to see them in a negative light, but when Neil is knocked out of the national competition, their reaction is to be supportive of their son. Nothing wrong with that. April's mother is nutsy, with huge red-framed eyeglasses. She's constantly giggling, "Beeeeee Happy! B-E-E!" April comments that her mother reminds her of Edith Bunker, "because she's kinda dumb."
The competiton is nail-bitingly suspenseful. I found myself whispering the spellings of the words as the kids struggled, hoping they would somehow hear me. A couple of the kids have heartbreaking moments where you can see the anguish on their faces as they struggle to make sense of a word. One girl nearly starts crying; it was all I could do not to cry too!
My one criticism of the movie lies in how they handled the winner of the national bee. First they tell you who won, and only a few minutes later do they show you the winner spelling the winning word. What could have been a superb climax is completely defused. The rest of the documentary stirs up so much emotion, I can't imagine why the filmmakers chose to utterly derail what should have been the climax of the movie.
Overall, however, this is a charming, exciting film -- one that I will watch more than once, and may even purchase for my collection. I imagine that, for most people, this is a "watch it once" film, a curiosity about geeky brainy kids and an odd bit of Americana, and that's fine. Even if you're not a word nerd, watch this film once and see how the other half lives. Even if you think these kids are weird for caring so much about spelling, you're bound to learn something, whether it's how to spell a five-syllable word, or the kind of dedication and diligence a mere 12-year-old is capable of.
16 As riveting and suspenseful as any film you're likely to see
In the past, I've occasionally stumbled upon ESPN's live coverage of the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee contest conducted in Washington, DC. I never paid much attention because the event never seemed to be all that exciting. However, this 2002 documentary of the 1999 National Spelling Bee is anything but boring.
In the beginning, the viewer is given brief but informative backgrounds on each of the film's eight subjects. The one thing that begins to come across almost immediately is how much these kids care about competing and succeeding and the fact that the parents of each care almost as much (or perhaps even more in some cases) as the kids themselves. Most of the parents spend their free time helping the kids practice spelling words.
We're told early on that nine million kids participate in spelling bees every year and that only 249 will make it to Washington, DC. The fact that these 8 (and the other 241 who are not a focus of the film) have already won numerous local and regional spelling bees within their own states is an accomplishment itself. That one will end up being the best speller out of nine million (and beat the best of the best), is simply amazing.
As the film focuses more and more on the national competition, I found myself becoming nervous right along with the kids and parents, hoping that I wouldn't hear that little bell at the end of a misspelled word which tells the participant that they may now exit stage right as it is all over with. I wanted all eight to win but the one I found myself rooting for the most was Neil Kadakia, a 12 year old Indian boy from San Clemente, California. His dedication, as well as that of his parents (particularly his father, who makes some encouraging and appreciative comments about the USA) was incredible. It is mentioned that Neil and his father studied thousands, yes thousands, of words a day in preparation. I'll not spoil the outcome for those who haven't seen it. Maybe one of the eight wins, maybe they don't.
Moreover, this is a remarkable depiction of dedicated people. Unlike some so-called "documentary filmmakers", director Jeffrey Blitz is content to make a true documentary by allowing his subjects and their surroundings tell the story. Like other great documentaries (Harlan County USA, American Dream, The Thin Blue Line) this is also a great film.
17 Driven
I rented this one thinking it was the Hitchcock film with Gregory Peck. I was surprised and not delighted that this 2002 Spellbound was actually a documentary about school kids and spelling bee's. Anyhow, I began to watch and saw that out there across the country, terrific children were studying words, spelling words as though their life depended on it. A better title would have been, Driven. As any child prodigy of the violin will tell you, a child's life was not theirs. The final spelling bee in Washington DC was very exciting. Who will win, the Indian genius kid or the Texas chick with the goggle glasses? Adults and kids can watch the fun together.
18 Great MOVIE!
Don't be fooled by the title or subject matter--thinking that it will be dry and boring. This is a wonderful docudrama based on the National Spelling Bee, and the drama behind the preparation. This movie follows 6 kids? and their families, through the ordeal. It is both funny and sad how each family and the kids deals with going to this 'competition'. Loved every moment of it, and I think that the DVD follows other kids who were cut from the original flick!
19 They completely ruined the ending!
This film builds to a nail-biting conclusion, to be certain. But the film makers ruined the ending to their own film! They show the contestants being weeded out, one by one, each spelling a word and eventually failing. Finally it comes down to two remaining spellers. The first one fails his word, leaving the door wide open for Nupur to win, IF she spells her word correctly. Just as we are on the edge of our seats, expecting to hear Nupur's word, instead the film makers whisk the viewer off to some video montage of sound bites of the contestants being interviewed in their homes and such. I think, "Oh great, they're making this into a real cliffhanger, and we'll get to see if she spells her word correctly or not after they have built the suspense!" But the very last montage clip is of a television screen where we see Nupur being interviewed on a newscast, and at the bottom of the screen is a ticker which says, "National Spelling Bee Champion." Excuuuuuse me? Thanks for ruining the climax! It was not a given that she was the winner after the first speller failed! She could have failed her word too. A few seconds later they show us Nupur spelling her word correctly, but by this time it is a complete anticlimax. This completely ruined the whole ending for me. They should have gone straight from a suspense-building montage to Nupur spelling her word correctly and her ensuing euphoria so we could share in it. As presented, I felt I was left behind and could not connect with her moment.
20 Just Buy It Already!
This is not a niche film for academic geeks (although they like it), but an intense documentary for all who wish to look outside the box of what is considered "normal." Every young person and adult that I know who has seen it is impressed and inspired (and that would be about two dozen total - not to mention the entire theatre full of weirdo's). At least rent it, so that you don't miss this unique piece of work - then you'll probably be back here to order.
21 Appealing documentary about kids competing
Spellbound is an engaging documentary about eight kids who are hopefuls in the national spelling bee, 1999. I mention this first because honestly, I was expecting a scripted comedy film when I rented this based on the iControl description! Well in spite of my mistake, I found a worthwhile film with Spellbound.
Now I know this sounds extremely boring to the huge majority of us out here who have never even considered competing in a spelling bee. Give it a chance -- this movie is really about the individuals and their private dramas as they go through their training processes for the contest. We see a wide variety of approaches to preparing from both the parents' end and their kids': but truthfully, this whole thing reminds me of stage parents getting their children ready for those awful pageants. Almost across the board, pressure is applied to the kids to perform and WIN. For example one dad (who sounds to me like the most extreme perfectionist control freak that ever existed) drills his son on seven to eight thousand words per day and paid hundreds of people to pray for his son to win. He also promised that he would pay for five thousand people in India to have dinner IF his son won first place in the spelling bee. Talk about a heavy burden to put on the shoulders of a twelve-year-old kid!
The two exceptions to this stage parent mentality are interesting. One is the mom of an African American girl from a poor neighborhood; the other, immigrants from India whose daughter is a first generation American. In both cases, the girls were made to feel that they were good enough even without a championship trophy or a medal. There was never any suggestion that they were defined by their success in this spelling contest. I personally believe that of all the contestants, these two kids will have the best experiences in the larger adult world later on because their parents were supportive rather than trying to live vicariously through them or pushing them too hard; plus, these girls were allowed to have a life outside of the spelling bee training, which seemed to be lacking for most of the other kids as well.
Spellbound is an honest look into the world of spelling bees and the lives of the kids who compete in them, often from a very young age. It is relatively entertaining for a documentary, heavily dependant on listening to the dialogue rather than visuals, and sometimes funny in unexpected ways. Recommended for people who like documentaries in general.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle
22 Fun and Intelligent
This movie is fun and intelligent, as my description says. It has lots of hidden "simpsons like" humor, and it makes you think a little :-). The best part is trying to figure out how these children will place based their family background, study habits, and friends. You could almost get a few friends together that haven't seen the movie and place bets on the kids.
Anyway, I recommend this movie for two reasons. First of all, I get bored watching cheesy hollywood flicks with the same characters and the same script. Spellbound takes a subject that America vaguely "knows," and makes it transparent. The children are smarter than most adults, and the plot moves full speed through character introductions and the main competition.
Secondly, it is fun to see what these children are capable of spelling. I thought that I had fairly good spelling skills, but after watching this movie, I felt like a moron. Anyway, spend the $3 to rent this movie, it is definitely worth it.
23 H-I-G-H-larious
This is the most unintentionally funny, stereotype proving movie I've ever seen. From the plantation owners talking about how "not all the Mexicans is lazy- there's some good ones in the bunch" to the teacher saying how excited she gets "when I get a kid from India in my class" because she knows "they're always the hardest workers," this movie flings stereotypes all over the board. Oh, and let's not forget the one black contestant whose mother speaks in ebonics-style english and whose father is neither present nor mentioned.
I feel bad for the kids and parents portrayed in this movie, because while you feel their anticipation and nervousness throughout the movie, you feel at the end, like Emily, that you are "so happy I never have to do this again!"
24 "don't be distracted by the glitz and glamor of the bee"
In keeping with what other reviewers echoed, Spellbound really is a suspenseful and fascinating documentary following the progress of eight youngsters who have won regional spelling bees to compete at the national spelling bee championships. The documentary beautifully illustrates the vast differences in the individuals competing at the nationals, from relatively affluent children to children of non-English speaking immigrants. One parent points out, however, that the children who might otherwise be "geeks" or socially ostracized for their spelling (or other academic) prowess are "cool" and accepted within these circles, so in a social sense, the bee is actually a place not only for competition but for gaining acceptance among one's peers. The film accurately evokes the anxiety of a spelling bee, showing kids struggling and fidgeting nervously, some "visualizing" words in their heads or "writing" the words down on their hands. The film also reflects some vastly different approaches to learning and learning styles. One parent employed a variety of coaches to instruct and drill his son for hours every day, while another girl just used her dictionary and studied on her own. I know this brought back so many memories for me of the anxiety and pressure felt when standing on the stage trying to spell. (For a comedic view of spelling bees, you should see a relatively recent episode of Frasier).
25 Great, because it's about more than spelling.
The spelling aspect of _Spellbound_ is interesting. The kids learn words that even most highly educated people will never have any reason to know, and at any rate their skill is somewhat obsolete in the word processing age.
But what is more interesting are the kids' family backgrounds. The movie makes a strong anecdotal case for immigration: three of the kids were born of immigrant parents, two from India, one from Mexico.
The Indian father of one boy was most impressive to me. He came here from India, presumably with little or nothing, and had obviously become very wealthy. He hired tutors to review words in English, Spanish, German, and French with the boy, so he would know them all. He himself systematically reviewed 7000 to 8000 words each day with the boy. And, for good measure, he hired 1000 people to pray for the boy's victory during the Bee, and promised to feed 5000 more back in India if he won.
He had the right attitude, saying, "It is impossible to fail in this country." He added (paraphrasing now): "If you work hard, you can get rich and achieve anything." While it is not quite true that "hard" work is what will make you rich (otherwise, we should all get to work digging ditches and wait for the money to start coming in), it is true that applied effort, and smart work, will make you rich.
Various members of the university audience with which I saw the movie responded to his comments, however, with hisses. The audience also laughed in mockery of teachers who made comments such as, "I always like to see Indian students in my class because they are all so driven and hard working. I haven't had one yet who wasn't!" No doubt my fellow students were shocked by the casual utterance of this "stereotype." Of course, these teachers were simply reporting on real life experience, and not pretending, like PC academics, that members of various races and cultures don't widely share certain characteristics beyond skin color and facial structure.
Contrast the Indian man's attitude with the attitude of the mother of the black girl from Washington, DC. Rather than reflect upon the value of achievement, and doing everything in her power to help her daughter succeed, we see her instead smoking a cigarette, complaining about the economy, and complaining that the newspapers report on black crime, but don't report enough on her daughter's success.
Those who fret over the ostensible problem of Mexican immigration might be given pause by the case of the Mexican-American girl depicted here. Her parents entered the country illegally, and to this day her father apparently speaks no English. Yet there is his daughter outdoing all of her peers in their native language, and surely poised to make a positive contribution to society.
If all of that doesn't interest you, then you should just watch Spellbound because it's G-rated educational fun, and surprisingly funny. Unlike many movies you could choose, it will make you feel better about your fellow Americans, and young people in particular.
26 G-R-E-A.......T
This is a documentary following 8 kids who go to the National Spelling Bee. Some are optimistic, some are pesimistic. But they all want to win. This isn't really as boring as you would think. Although one kid really got on my nerves (the kid on the cover), and others were just odd, this is a great story.
There are 8 kids who are competing in the National Spelling Bee. One can spit out words like a machine, one studies 8 hours a day, and one needs medications. But, they're all good. One of them wins (I'm not going to tell you which). You'll have to figure out for yourself once you buy it. NOW.
27 Rigged contest
The makers of "Spellbound" start with a can't-miss formula-the buildup to a national spelling competition-and use it to explore some classic archetypes of American culture. There are the striving immigrants, the rich kid, the poor kids, the borderline-autistic kids, etc. It's fascinating, but a bit too pat at the same time. Editing choices make the director's allegiances clear and manipulate the viewer's emotions. "Spellbound" reminded me a lot of a recent cable documentary on child beauty pageants--the director used the medium to cast judgment on parents and indict American values at the same time, probably from the comfortable vantage point of S.F. or the Upper West Side. When are documentary filmmakers going to focus their energy on genuine muckraking instead of slinging mud at hapless middle-class folk? It's not like there aren't a lot of real miscarriages of justice out there. Poor Neil's hours with word lists just don't rank up there in my pantheon of atrocities.
28 E-x-c-e-l-l-e-n-t movie
This well-made documentary traces the backgrounds and preparation of 8 kids who made it to the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. The movie-makers did a good job of choosing participants who were from a variety of places and backgrounds. The eight who are featured include the religious daughter of a black single mother, the son of an Indian father who hires a spelling tutor, the Hispanic daughter of a Mexican immigrant who doesn't speak English, as well as several affluent, well-supported children. The dedication of these youngsters is remarkable and the hours they put into studying are impressive. Some of the families do a better job than others at encouraging their child to be well-rounded instead of focusing totally on spelling. Some of the students are introspective, some are outgoing, but all are dedicated to winning the big prize. The film-makers do an excellent job of showing the interaction of the families and giving viewers insight into what it takes to succeed at the Spelling Bee. They pace the film well and create real suspense before the final winner is crowned. The parents of the students handle their child's defeat well and all are encouraging. The students themselves vary as to their adjustment after defeat. This is a fascinating look at the inside of an old, honored event which manages to be efficient and compassionate at the same time.
29 this movie is quite alright.
Like countless Americans, I was shocked to find the National Speling Bee on ESPN. Soon however, I was sucked in and for the last few years I've watched compulsively. This movie captures all of the magic of the live telecasts while also expanding on the snippets of biographical information provided therein. The kids chosen for this film are an amazing ensemble and their vastly different routes to the finals are compelling. Overall this is a well-made movie that dares its audience not to enjoy it.
30 More slings and arrows from the Sundance crowd
The makers of "Spellbound" start with a can't-miss formula-the buildup to a national spelling competition-and use it to explore some classic archetypes of American culture. There are the striving immigrants, the rich kid, the poor kids, the borderline-autistic kids, etc. It's fascinating, but a bit too pat at the same time. Editing choices make the director's allegiances clear and manipulate the viewer's emotions. "Spellbound" reminded me a lot of a recent cable documentary on child beauty pageants-the director used the medium to cast judgment on parents and indict American values at the same time, probably from the comfortable vantage point of the Upper West Side. When are documentary filmmakers going to focus their energy on genuine muckraking instead of slinging mud at hapless working-class folk? It's not like there aren't a lot of real miscarriages of justice out there. Poor Neil's hours with word lists just don't rank up there in my pantheon of atrocities.
31 Super DVD!
You can't go wrong with this one! Charming would be an understatement!
32 wonderful documentary with excellent dvd features
This is a terrific and engrossing documentary about eight kids who have won their regional spelling bees and are now preparing for, and later participating in, the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Each teenager is profiled and then the end of the film is the big bee -- and you find yourself wishing that each one could win, and you realize that all 249 contestants have a unique story to tell, and family and friends supporting them. This is a superb film, and the dvd extras are great too.
The commentary track is very interesting, including a lot of insight into the editing process, which was quite a task with 160 hours of film to work with. Also, there are profiles of three kids that had to be cut when the first print of the film was 3 hours long -- these are just as interesting as the eight left in, so don't miss them! "Where Are They Now?" lets you know what each of the kids is currently doing. "About the Filmmakers" tells you about director Jeff Blitz (Wonderland) and his two colleagues. Also included are trailers and interactive web links to a game and an educational guide.
This is a great film about the American Dream, about each family's unique experience in this country, about the powerful diversity we share, and about kids and their families. Highest recommendation.
33 If This Isn't "Reality" Programming, Then Nothing Qualifies!
2002's "Spellbound" is a nail-biting documentary, which follows eight young contestants as they prepare to enter the 1999 National Spelling Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.
The pressure mounts for all eight of these charming young spellers (as well as for their tense parents -- well, maybe even MORE so in the case of a few of the parents) as each one wins his or her regional competition, and makes it all the way to the "Big One" in Washington.
You can really feel the nervous anxiety and the stress that these kids are experiencing as the camera zooms in on them while spelling these seemingly impossible-to-figure-out words. You'll find yourself rooting for them, right along with their anxious parents in the audience.
Amazingly, I found that I was actually able to spell a couple of the dictionary behemoths that were offered up during the competition. Of course, less than 1% of the monster words you'll find in a National Spelling Bee are words you've ever even remotely heard of before....and certainly none of these words would *ever* come up in a casual dinner conversation at home (or even at a dinner party hosted by Albert Einstein, I would surmise). But, the kids that participate in these "Bees" are prepared for virtually anything it seems.
Three of the top eight spellers at the '99 National Bee are among the 8 boys and girls featured in some depth during this 97-minute documentary film, including the eventual winner.
I was rooting for each and every one of these nice kids. It's a shame they couldn't all get a trophy. But those that were eliminated took it in stride, showing a great deal of poise and sportsmanship. All of these young folks showed a lot of class -- and I truly *don't* think it was solely based on the fact that there was a camera in their face the whole time. I felt these kids would have reacted in the same classy manner had there not been a documentary being made about them.
This DVD offers up some rather interesting Special Features, too .... including some "Bonus Footage", which is a nice, healthy 24-minute-long segment focusing on three additional spelling-bee contestants.
There's also a filmmaker's Audio Commentary Track, the Theatrical Trailer, as well as some informative text screens on the spellers, including a "Where Are They Now?" section.
In addition, there are also some DVD-ROM features, including a fun "Hangman" game. Even if you don't have a DVD-ROM computer drive, you can still get to the "Deluxe Hangman Challenge!" game by going to the following web address:
http://spellboundmovie.com/dvd/hangman/
Aspect Ratio is Full Frame (1.33:1), with a 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo soundtrack.
"Spellbound" is indeed a "spellbinding" motion picture. The ultimate "reality" film. So sit back and enjoy this excellent movie...and learn a few new words to boot (you'll never use them, but, what the heck). :)
Oh, and if anybody ever tells you that you're positively "callipygian" -- don't haul off and hit 'em with a frying pan. It's a very nice compliment. Really, it is. Look it up. ;)
34 Spells out a great movie!!
Ask someone if they want to see a documentary about the spelling bee, and you will probably be greeted by something along the lines of "YUKK!" However, SPELLBOUND is an exception, and the title was a good description of how I felt afterwards.
The movie follows 8 contestants in the National Spelling Bee, starting at their local competitions. The kids are about as similar to each other as elephants are to octopi (a completely unrelated comparison, but oh well). They range from a poor African American girl to am affluent Indian boy whose family owns two houses in California.
The movie takes you right into the life of the kids, and it's almost painful to watch them agonize over the words they are given. You watch a girl's face fall as she is given "chateubriand," and another light up as she correctly spells "apocape" (pronounce ah-pah-kah-pee). And the end, which I won't reveal, shows you don't have to study obsessively to do well.
35 Fact More Compelling Than Fiction
If you need proof that fact is indeed more compelling than fiction, look no further than "Spellbound," a fascinating and aptly named documentary centered on that great American competition for brainiacs known as the National Spelling Bee.
In designing his film, director Jeffrey Blitz has chosen to focus on eight competitors from widely varying racial, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds, interviewing them and their families before, during and after the competition. In the first half of the film he introduces us to each of the contestants, giving us behind-the-scenes glimpses into their home lives, their study techniques, their aspirations and their attitudes towards competition and the value of dedication and hard work. The common denominators these eight individuals all share are intelligence, drive, determination and a supportive family structure. Even though the pressure of the experience seems almost too much for any youngster to bear, all of these participants come across as levelheaded, sensible individuals who manage to keep it all in a healthy perspective. The parents, too, seem reasonable in their expectations, encouraging their children without placing undue pressure on them - and beaming with justifiable pride at their amazing progeny. Yet, for all their seeming "nerdness" and gift for articulation, Blitz makes it clear that these kids are really just kids (albeit highly gifted ones) after all.
In the second half of the film, we move to the competition itself, watching as all except one of the people we have come to know over the course of the film eventually become eliminated (Blitz had the grand good fortune of choosing the eventual winner as one of his subjects). The scenes at the competition itself provide more edge-of-the-seat suspense than a truckload of fictional Hollywood thrillers. You'll find your mind and heart racing as each child endeavors to spell out the arcane, tongue-tying words chosen by the officials for the competition. Throughout the proceedings, the audience is on as much of an emotional roller coaster as the participants and their families. As a filmmaker, Blitz knows that the human face is really a map revealing what is taking place inside our hearts and minds and this he captures with uncanny precision as the children sweat, tear up, furrow their brows and even in some cases act out their thought processes in humorously absurd muggery while formulating their answers.
"Spellbound" succeeds in its twofold purpose: to honor that commitment to competition that has defined what it means to be an American and to demonstrate that achieving in a competitive field using one's mind can be just as exciting and rewarding as achieving one's greatness on a court, field or gridiron. That's a message all too rarely conveyed by American culture.
Watching this film, you will indeed be spellbound.
36 O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G
If you tell someone that they'll be watching a documentary about spelling bees, the first thing you will hear is choral snoring. However, if you pass this one up because of it's supposedly dull subject-matter, you'll be passing up a real gem of a film.
This is the biography of eight young, intelligent, spellers from around the country. They are from varied backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: they are terrific spellers. They have all won their regional spelling bee and moved on to the natioanl spelling bee in Washington DC. For those of you who have lost hope in the youth of today, this movie will turn you around. Each child has the work ethic and desire to do thier very best against all odds, and they all have the ability.
It's truly enjoyable to see these youngsters mature over the course of the film, right until the nailbiting finale. Very little is wrong with this film. It's an excellent documentary that I highly recommend.
37 Scary good.
Spellbound (Jeffrey Blitz, 2002)
Jeffrey Blitz makes his directorial debut with Spellbound, a surprisingly absorbing documentary about eight kids from disparate parts of the United States who are competing in the National Spelling Bee. The upshot is that while yo may not think of a spelling bee as a sport per se, these kids and their parents wouldn't agree with you. Training regimens, drills, even stretching before and after, it's all here, folks.
The best thing about the flick is the disparity of the eight kids. It's not just geographical, but personal as well; eight teenagers who are as radically different as Harry, who's about as ill-socialized as a child can possibly be, and Nupur, bound to win high school popularity contests. Ted, deeply uncomfortable with others and a little aggressive, and Neil, potential snake-oil salesman. Ashley, poor black kid from the ghetto, and Emily, upper-upperclass New York suburbanite. With such a variety of characters (and more!), there's such a variety of oddness going on that it almost takes on the ambience of a gruesome car accident; you can't not watch, once you're hooked. (Trust me, if none of the idiosyncracies has got you yet by the time he shows up, you will be unable to believe Harry Altman is real. One IMDB poster to claimed to be in summer camp with him in summer 2003 said "he's just as weird as ever." Weird, my friends, is the understatement of the year.)
The end result of all this is that by the time they make the final two days, the competition itself turns into a nail-biting spectacle. How could any flick make forty-five minutes of national spelling bee seem as intense as the last table at the World Series of Poker? Watch Spellbound, and you will know. ****
38 Funniest Movie Ever
This is by far the funniest movie I have ever seen. Although it is a documentary, the movie ends up to be a sort of parody. The entire thing reminded me of a skit they would do on Saturday Night Live.
39 SpellSTUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This movie has good inspiration but it STINKS on ice! It is so stupid who wants to know about some kids in a spelling bee. This movie is very dumb.
Here is the 411:
GOOD SIDE:
If you have never seen it its good for betting against your friends & familly.
Only one kid is sort of funny because he is hyper.
BAD SIDE:
It is very boring I dont care what the other reviewers think it stinks.
40 I-AM-A-MUSICAL-ROBOT!
This extraordinary documentary follows eight youngsters as they prepare for the 1999 annual National Spelling Bee. If you've ever watched it on ESPN, then you've seen the unique spellers who often last to the final stages. "Spellbound" highlights brilliantly the ways in which these youngsters and their families are exceptional. The eight youngsters, their families, and their hometowns are profiled separately; these narratives are by turns funny, inspiring, and heart-wrenching. Among the more amazing stories is Angela Arevivar, whose parents came to the U.S. illegally from Mexico and don't speak English. Her father, however, sees clearly that Angela's success justifies leaving his home country, and he accompanies her proudly to the bee. Aside from these emotionally resonant stories, young Harry Altman nearly steals the show with his wacky humor, including his bizarre imitation of a musical robot.
After introducing the youths and their families, the documentary accounts the actual bee. The tension is nearly unbearable when the spellers are given a difficult word, and seeing them eliminated is heart-wrenching. The documentary swells to a remarkable finale, due to the skillful editing by Yana Gorskaya and the debut work of director, Jeffrey Blitz. In addition, "Spellbound" is filled with amazing triumphs and heart-breakers. Hearing Ashley White's single, disadvantaged mother explain that the greatest moment of her life was seeing her daughter crowned champion at the city spelling bee is sure to leave a lump in your throat. Another warm moment is when a mother discusses how her child is somewhat of an outcast in her school but that she's popular at the bee. These children have managed to find ways of belonging and succeeding despite their quirks, which elevates further the amazing nature of their accomplishments.
"Spellbound" was Oscar-nominated for best documentary in 2003, losing to the flashier but less deserving "Bowling for Columbine." A truly excellent documentary exposes fundamental truths about us or our nation, and "Spellbound" certainly passes this litmus test. By following youngsters from a variety of backgrounds, nothing short of the American Dream is revealed. Ultimately, "Spellbound" is fantastic and perhaps the most touching and profound documentary of its kind since "Hoop Dreams." A most highly recommended film experience!
Extras: 1) Biographies and "where are they now" information for each speller. 2) A fascinating commentary featuring the director, producer, and editor. 3) Synopses of three spelling bee contestants who were not featured in the final cut of the documentary. The stories of these three spellers are probably not as compelling as the eight youngsters highlighted in the main documentary, although young Bradley Feldman's unrequited crush on his teen-aged spelling coach is terrific.
41 it makes spelling fun (or, at least watching it fun)
A film by Jeffrey Blitz
"Spellbound" is an Academy Award nominated film (Best Documentary) that focuses on eight children who are competing in the 1999 National Spelling Bee. We are given a look at the kids as they prepare for the Regional Spelling Bee. Each kid wins the regional and goes on to the National Bee. The first half of the movie is introduction. We are given a fairly in depth look into the lives of each of the eight kids: Harry Altman, Angela Arenivar, Ted Brigham, April DeGideo, Neil Kadakia, Nupur Lala, Emily Stagg, and Ashley White. This opening part shows how each child (the child must be in eighth grade or below, and be younger than 16 years of age) prepared for the spelling bees, what they study, and what their lives are like. Some of the kids are more interesting than others. I know that is a bad thing to say about real children, but I think it is valid when we talk about the movie. After the segments on five kids I start wondering when the actually Spelling Bee will begin and how many kids are left to introduce. I understand that this is necessary because this distinguishes them from the other children participating in the Bee.
Halfway through the movie we get to the National Spelling Bee. We follow each of the kids through the opening rounds and while we do see the other kids in the Bee, the most time is spent on our eight subjects. As we move into higher rounds, some of the subjects miss a word and are eliminated. After each elimination we hear the responses from the parents and the contestant and without exception they are positive responses. There is joy as the kids do well and they is disappointment when one is eliminated (I had a couple of favorites throughout the movie), but by the end this documentary made me care about an event that I would never have given a second thought to.
Since I am somewhat bookish, I loved this documentary. It was fascinating, interesting, and presented a well told story of the National Spelling Bee. "Spellbound" is an absolutely terrific documentary and is well worth your time to watch.
42 Great Movie! Intense, Fun & Heart Warming!
This is a great movie about some wonderful hard working kids!
Watch it and you will be inspired!!
43 Spelling has never been so fun
Having actually seen a spelling bee on TV (they are surprisingly addictive), I can understand why someone would want to make a documentary about the young kids who participate in this annual contest. Granted, I know the definitions of perhaps ten percent of the words they need to spell, but this does not take away from the good time it is watching them sweat under the lights in front of family and the late-night TV viewers.
There is incredible pressure placed on these kids, either by themselves or by their parents, to do well in the competition, since they can only participate until a certain age, so nobody here is over 14 years old. Of the eight kids documented on their rise to the finals in Washington DC, it is tough to predict which one will end up doing the best, since they had all won so much to even get to the finals. As with most movies, some characters are more likeable than others, and you find yourself rooting for certain ones, like the girl with no self-confidence, and hoping others would falter, like the one who seemed to cry every time she was in front of the mike, the same one who has a mother upset with the press because her daughter was not receiving enough media attention prior to the finals. She must be thinking her daughter is the star quarterback of an NFL team, instead of a good speller, but it is moments like this that give "Spellbound" its more humourous moments.
Aside from the competition, the filmmaker does well to illustrate the point that these are real kids, some more "normal" than others. He points out the acceptance that these nerds get when they are in the contests, because they are surrounded by other nerds who can accept them for who they are. I was impressed with the good nature of competition of the kids, as none of them are too crushed when they were eliminated, instead, being almost happy because they no longer have to study during the summer, and they can carry on with their normal lives.
"Spellbound" is an interesting movie, with a subject that has never been documented before, or received much attention at all. My one complaint was that there were too many kids featured, I would have preferred seeing a more in-depth look at say, six of them, instead of the more broad overview of eight. But this is great filmmaking nonetheless, and you will undoubtedly be impressed with the ability of these children.
44 Professional competition among kids
Every year people across USA get to watch live the National Spelling Bee competition, which gathers the 249 "lucky" kids who survived from the total of 9 million who started the path. This movie presents the journey of eight kids to get to the Nationals, how their peers, parents and teachers react and how these children manage to handle the pressure.
One of the thoughts I had when I was watching this movie was how difficult it must be for some of these kids to live with the high expectations their inner circle imposes upon them. Of course, the burden is a lot heavier in some cases than in others, but in all the examples shown, one gets the idea that the level of nervousness is a lot higher than in any other activity the children may participate in. For example, in the case of football, there may be situations in a game in which a player is under pressure, but this usually does not last long, the kid has the support from other teammates and the responsibility shifts among players. In the case of the spelling bee, one mistake and it's over!
In some cases the expectations of the fathers are tremendous. Neil spells 7,000 to 8,000 words a day when he is close to a competition. His mother comments: "When you fight in a war everybody has the same goal". His father tutors him when he can, and pays for several tutors, one for each different root language. In my opinion this can only be detrimental for Neil, and you can see his fear every time he has to go up to the microphone and spell. On the other hand, you have kids like Harry, who is very talkative and joking all the time, plays the guitar and studies spelling only one hour to one and a half hours per day.
I enjoyed this movie because I think it may present a reality check for a lot of parents that have their kids in spelling competitions. The message I got from it was that if you keep an attitude that allows the kid to have fun while learning and doing the best he can, then you and your kid will be a lot happier than if you impose the competition as a job (or allow the child to take it that way).
For those of you that enjoyed watching the National Spelling Bee in the past, this will be an opportunity to view the highlights of the 1999 finals again. Whether you are interested in the effects that the competition have on the children or in the excitement of this contest, this is a movie that you will enjoy.
45 Suprisingly damn involving doc.
Who knew a documentary about kids going to a nationals spelling bee could be so intense? The film follows 8 kids as they talk about their lives and prepare for the nationals level spelling bee. As it goes on, you definitely start rooting for some of these young'uns to win, and find yourself shouting at the screen things like..."E..its an E not an I you idiot!" and generally behaving like the sports fans I like to ridicule for the same behavior *blush*. Well filmed and efficient. The director does not bog us down for too long in any one place, and when it is over, it feels like it was much shorter than it actually was. The extras on the disc shows a "Where are they now?" feature for all the kids that is interesting to check out.
46 OUTSTANDING !!!!!
This was a wonderful movie/documentary that was inspirational-- simple yet profound. It was the kind of movie that I can and have recommended to everyone I talk to.
I loved the way each of the eight main characters, a diverse group, were introduced and how the viewers were shown the way these students were preparing for the spelling bee.
I found a couple of things unsettling, like the *personality* of the home-schooled child and the stage-father who was having his son tutored for 4-6 hours a day. But I know that this was realistic, not manufactured for the audience.
A wonderful viewing experience for old, young, and in-between.
47 Heka Kool!!!
I luved this muvie!!! Thes kids are heka smart! They realy no how to compet and be tuff! This muvie will make yu wish yu did that speling stuff insted of playing varsity sports al the tim!!! But I onli get a headake from hits and tackels! Not from thinking! Congratulashens kids!!!
48 Spellbinding
There's no cheating in the highly organized National Spelling Bees, but there's plenty of excitement. There also are lessons to be learned, as when one proud, involved parent says, "What is valuable in life that is easy to achieve? Nothing." He says that not to his child, by the way, but to the documentary film crew.
Director Jeffrey Blitz underscores some segments of the competition with music, which is the only needless move he makes. The live ESPN telecast enhances the drama precisely because of the excruciating sound of silence. Some kids will stretch their allotted time to infinity rather than risk uttering one false letter. That's all it takes to plummet from the competition - one I-before-E when it should have been the other way around. One "-able" when "-ible" was the right call.
There are so many differences among the eight contestants. you don't end up rooting for one kid over another. You root for them all, and as they fall one by one, you feel their pain, even as you note their pride.
More than one child, and more than one parent, talk about the spelling bee being one place where these gifted children freely and fully fit in.
49 Spellbinding
A bunch of kids competing to be the best spellers in the world... To some it may sound like a boring premise, but to me this is one of the stand-out films of the last couple of years. Why?
Like a chess tournament, a billiard tournament, or some other highly specialized sport, spelling tournaments are not just a contest, but the culmination of years of training that have been dedicated to a very unique talent. However you slice it, the ability to spell thousands of words correctly is more than just neat ability, it is a rare gift that can take countless hours of work to perfect.
This wonderful film takes you into the minds and hearts of one year's worth of the best child spellers in the United States. Some of them are poor, some of them are rich. Some of them serious, some of them are silly. But all of them are intriguing, and you are sure to find yourself rooting for one of them to win (that is, if you don't know the outcome already).
There are countless great moments in this short movie, from the image of a dictionary that has been literally SHREDDED from use, to the loveable Harry asking if he can eat the microphone, from the girl asking if Corollary has anything to do with a Corolla, to nail-biting moments when you KNOW that the kids have no idea if they are spelling the word right or not.
But the ultimate reason why I love this movie is the insight and inspiration it gives as you see how all kinds of kids from all kinds of backgrounds give their all in order to become the best that they possibly can, and show their talent to the world. I'll never forget what that little girl from Washington D.C. said to the cameraman "My life is like a movie...I have trials and tribulations, and eventually I overcome."
We should all have such a spirit. This is a GREAT movie. And it's not BASED on a true story, it IS a true story.
50 Featured Speller's Website
A-W-E-S-O-M-E documentary! Check out one of the featured speller's website: www.angelainspellbound.com
51 spell oscar
I've recommended "Spellbound" to friends more than most of the movies of 2003. I've always like watching the annual spelling finals on ESPN, and this documentary is fun for the same reasons. You find yourself picking favorites from the group and really pulling for them. And, like "Bowling for Columbine" from 2002, this speaks of the American experience. Watching a documentary is always different from watching a regular feature, but "Spellbound" is still very much worth seeing.
52 Hugely enjoyable documentary...A MUST SEE!
SPELLBOUND is a highly entertaining documentary. My young daughter, and some of her friends, were introduced to the idea of a "documentary" with this film.
It follows eight children who are all headed to the National Spelling Bee in Washington DC. We meet kids from all places (Texas, California, Florida, DC, Pennsylvania, etc.) and backgrounds (children of poor Mexican immigrants, children of wealth in New Haven, etc.) and genders, of course. They are a delightful range of children, and getting to spend a little time with each is a blast. We meet all eight during the first half of the film, and naturally, everyone will be rooting for their favorites and "placing bets" on who will win.
The second half follows their grueling time at the finals. We've seen these kids at their most relaxed, and now we get to see them at their most stressed. We feel for them and sometimes, if we're lucky enough to know how to spell the word, we try to "feed" them the spelling.
It feels like a TV-reality show without the annoying host and without the artificiality of those shows. This is real and this is objective. Either the word is spelled right or it isn't. No "immunity challenges" or eating gross things or letting the audience vote. These young kids (11 to 14 years old, mostly) are totally on their own. We've seen them training and studying (some to amazing extremes) but in the end, it's just them against the word.
The filmmakers found a great slice of children to work with. Emily comes from priviledge in New Haven, CT, and she's bouncy, speaks like an adult, has lots of interests and is both annoying and endearing at once. Nick comes from a seemingly well-to-do Indian or Pakistani background, and his father is driving him to succeed. His dad puts nearly as much time into the prep as Nick does...and he's hired tutors and language experts. You're never sure if Nick is all that interested in winning, but Dad sure is. On the other side, there's Angela, whose Hispanic parents don't even speak English. She lives in a small time and has to be her own motivator. She is doing it FOR her parents, to show them their sacrifices were worthwhile, but she seems more like a "regular" kid her age. Then there's Harry, a manic 12 year old who can't stop talking and bouncing around and making faces. Here's a kid who probably always had a hard time making friends. It looks like he only has a mother on the scene, so no doubt he is troubled on many levels. This bee seems to be a way to keep pouring enough stimulus into his active mind to keep him even slightly calm!
Anyway, as with the best documentaries, we know that things will NOT turn out neat and tidy like in a fictional film. We hope things will go a certain way, but alas, they rarely do. How things DO turnout is another matter, and it's what makes the film fun. In the end, we find that we don't really "care" who wins all that much...we just feel for the kids, and take pride in their achievements and feel bad for their disappointments. And we feel good about the "next generation." These kids, quirky as many are, can be seen as a little slice of what is around the corner for our country...and the weirdnesses of Harry aside, things look pretty good. These are DECENT kids, and capable and joyful and good. It's a shame they can't all win the contest, but they are certainly all winners.
I highly recommend this G-rated film for EVERYONE. I can't imagine one single viewer not being highly entertained and involved in this outstanding movie.
PS: The DVD doesn't have loads of extras, but it does have a "where are they now" section that is WELL worth taking a look at after the film. It just affirms all the good things we feel about these kids.
53 Hilarious, honest, and immensely moving - instant classic!
What a wonderful thing it is to see documentaries take their place in the pantheon of public entertainment. Before, the occasional Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse or Harlan County, U.S.A. would take audiences by storm, but you never really saw multiple documentaries receive showers of praise AND rake in money...until this past year. After the enormous success of Bowling For Columbine, two movies in contention with that film, Spellbound and Winged Migration, enjoyed moderate box-office success and then the docu-to-beat for this year's Academy Awards, Capturing the Friedmans, became the most talked-about movie in art-house circles. Friedmans may be the chilling exposee that looks crucially at the nature of justice and sexual hysteria, but looking at Spellbound for a still-rewarding third viewing, I realize this little movie about eight competitors at the 1999 Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee may be one of the most quintessential American films ever made.
I can clearly remember describing this movie to a friend over dinner one night: "Well, it basically is a documentary that follows eight kids around as they get ready for the National Spelling Bee, and you meet their parents and learn about their lives and then watch them compete." The response I wasn't expecting: "And that's interesting how?" Well, to say that filmmaker Jeff Blitz's documentary is interesting is a gross understatement. In 90 minutes, he covers so much territory with eight quirky kids, it's necessary to remind yourself to breathe at times. Spellbound begins with a simple structure: a brief look into the lives of each of the eight kids. We meet Angela Arenivar, an hispanic teenager whose immigrant father dreams of success and happiness for his family. Or Ted Brigham, a shy, awkward kid who gets annoyed because, "There are only four or five really smart kids in my grade." And then there's Harry Altman. Ahh, Harry. Ritalin has found its poster-child, America.
What you might notice about the film as it unassumingly unfolds is that it somewhat resembles a Christopher Guest movie. The owners of the Arenivar farm recall a much older Fred and Ethel Mertz. The mother of teen April DeGideo sits and chats while the family dog affectionately licks her leg (getting no reaction from her). Competitor Neal Kadakia's father has (unintentionally) comically promised to feed 5,000 hungry Indians if his son wins. The beautiful catch: these are all real people, and it makes for a constantly funny, intriguing experience. And then there are those moments early on in Spellbound that smack you like a ton of bricks: Ashley White, a young black girl that proclaims herself a "prayer warrior" as she bows at the dinner table; or April's dad, who sums up the 'success story' of his life by saying, "I went from one side of the tracks to the other," (he's speaking literally). While Harry Altman screeches "DOES this SOUND like a MU-SI-CAL RO-BOT?", we are also left with deeply resonant moments that can't find words to describe them.
Just like in a fictional Christopher Guest movie, it all comes down to the big event for which everyone has been waiting, and Blitz doesn't disappoint in the culminating tautly edited but fluidly sustained National Spelling Bee section of the film. The mark of a great storyteller is that they can make anything interesting, and Blitz cuts the film so that each and every word for each and every one of those eight kids takes on the suspenseful quality of that final game of a sports movie. What I liked the most about the marvelous second half of the film, all leading up to one of the eight kids that becomes the winner, is how it takes time to look back at the contestants before that possibly deadly word is spelled. Often, as the spellers stand deliberating, time freezes and we'll see earlier footage of maybe that child's parents proclaiming how proud they are of their kid, discussing their idea of the American dream, or their little brother saying, "If I had blood pressure, it would have been high sky." It is in these quaint moments of frozen time that Spellbound gains the depth of a classic - it's not about the elimination of each kid until a winner emerges, but about how each child is some fragment of America, and how that Spelling Bee means more to our culture and our nation than many people realize.
I hate to make Spellbound sound like some lofty, artsy experience - because it's not. It's accessible, entertaining, and absolutely hilarious. The fact that Blitz can add such suspense and such meaning to this film makes it such a pivotal documentary for the art form. If you're like me, you might just laugh your head off the first time you see the movie. A second viewing might have you, like me, moved beyond words. Either way, you're in for something special. The bottom line: Spellbound is so good it gives me chills. GRADE: A
54 Kan Ewe Spel As Gud As Thees Keds?
A giant stage. A microphone. A man with excellent pronounication. And over two hundred nervous spellers. This is the setting for the new documentary just released on DVD, "Spellbound". And the results are almost as perfect as winner of that year's National Spelling Bee.
In this documentary, we trace the lives of eight spellers from around the United States. What's presented to us is a great cross section of America, as seen through the eyes of some of our best and brighest students. What's remarkable about each of these kids is that they are totally ordinary kids, and come across as such in the film. A girl from Spanish speaking parents, another girl from Washington DC, a boy who has a world of tutors at his beckoning, all of them prove compelling. Yet you find yourself rooting for your favorites during the Spelling Bee.
What amazes me, and I didn't learn this until watching this DVD with the commentary track, is this is a first time film for the film maker, Jeffrey Blitz. It seems like a perfect marriage of material and film maker. You would not have guessed that after watching this brilliant film!
What transpires over the course of this documentary is that you realize you aren't just watching a Spelling Bee, but you are witnessing the best part of the country we call America; that anyone, with hard work and determination, can pull themselves up to the highest point and soar with the eagles. And by the end of the film, it simply doesn't matter who win the bee, because by then, you are cheering for ALL the kids.
Don't miss this gem.
55 Under P-R-E-S-S-U-R-E
At the risk of sounding like a nerd, I am enthusiastically recommending a documentary about a spelling bee. Of course, it isn't really about spelling or being a brainiac, it's about competition. Overblown, corporate-sponsored, American-style competition. I loved it.
It's impossible not to start choosing which kids you want to win and following the story like it's the ice-skating competition at the Winter Olympics. We get the up-close-and-personal interviews with the kids, their parents, and their teachers. We see them at the local spelling bees, then on to the national contest. The final rounds of the national competition are broadcast on ESPN, just in case there isn't enough pressure on these kids already. One of the parents even muses that this level of competition and pressure may be a form of child abuse. It's hard to contradict her.
In some ways, Spellbound is like Michael Apted's series of documentaries that started with 7-Up. In other ways, Spellbound is like watching the Pillsbury Bake-Off. In any case, it is a riveting movie.
56 Wow! Great family fare and perfect for wordaholics, too!
A film focusing on kids who are trying to make it to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. - doesn't exactly sound like anything exciting, does it?
But when I took it out of the DVD case and put it in our player, my son walked into the room, sat down for a second and didn't move for the rest of the movie. He was more riveted by this film than most of the action movies and flicks aimed at kids..and I think I know why. This movie features real kids from various parts of the United States, all trying to become the winner of the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. They aren't practiced actors and yet (surprise, surprise) they are totally engaging. You can't help but root for them although you may find yourself (as my son and I did) with a particular favorite or two that you hope makes it to the winner's circle.
The kids featured here come from all walks of life and quite different parts of the United States...and they all have various systems and techniques for learning their spelling words. Their parents run the range,too, from bemused to straightforward and disciplined.
Who'd have thought this would make the stuff of high drama, excitment and suspense? Kudos to the filmmakers for figuring it out - and producing such a wonderful result!
Special features:Information about what the students are doing now, an interactive Hangman game, info about the makers of the film, more.
57 Enlightening and Fun Look at Spelling Bee Subculture.
Each year, 249 young competitors come together in Washington, D.C. to participate in Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee. About a dozen rounds of competition over the course of two days eventually produces a champion speller who walks away with $10,000 and the peculiar honor of being the best young speller of the English language. In "Spellbound", director Jeffrey Blitz follows the preparations of 8 spellers who aspired to win the National Spelling Bee in 1999. We are taken into the homes of these 7th and 8th graders for whom spelling words most of us haven't even heard of has become a preoccupation. We meet their families and listen to the kids talk about their goals, study habits, and motivations. This diverse group of young people represent various ethnic groups, classes, and interests but share a near-obsession with words and a desire to win: Angela's father is a Texan cattle farmer who speaks no English. Nupur's parents are Indian immigrants, and this will be her second trip to the Nationals. Ted is from rural Missouri where his family raises peacocks. Emily is the daughter of affluent parents in Connecticut who wants to be the best at spelling because she isn't the best at her other interests. This will be her third trip to the nationals. Ashley is from the inner city in Washington, D.C. Neil is the son of ambitious Indian parents who have hired coaches to help him study. His sister before him placed well at the Nationals. April has the most philosophical perspective on the whole thing, as well as the most obsessive study habits: 8 hours of spelling per day during the summer. Harry is a geeky garrulous boy from New Jersey who just seems to be enjoying himself. They all competed in the 72nd Annual Scripps Howard Spelling Bee. And "Spellbound" has the drama. The Bee is surprisingly suspenseful once it reaches the second day of competition. It could actually be called spellbinding. Jeffrey Blitz has produced an enlightening and fun look at this spelling bee subculture we have in America and the kids who become its dramatis personae every year. "Spellbound" not only engages its audience in the competition. This film and its young heroes remind us what a colorful and delightful language English is and inspires us to use some of the more eccentric words that inhabit our dictionaries.
The DVD: Bonus features include introductions to each speller, a "where they are now" for each speller, and bios for the film's director, producers, and editor, all in text. There is also some bonus footage, a theatrical trailer, and some features on DVD-ROM. There is an audio commentary by 4 of the filmmakers, including director Jeffrey Blitz, which discusses the project's genesis, its problems, successes and the reasons for the decisions that the filmmakers made as the project progressed. The commentary might be interesting for anyone considering making a documentary film. Otherwise, I recommend taking a look at the "where they are now" section. Dubbing and subtitles are available in French.
58 The Buzz of Competition
Directed by Jeff Blitz, this documentary focuses on eight participants in the 1999 Scripps Howard National Spelling contest. Although their names will mean nothing to you until after you have seen the film, you may wish to have the information for future reference: Harry Altman (New Jersey), Angela Arenivar (Texas), Ted Brigham (Missouri),ÊApril DeGideo (Pennsylvania), Neil KadakiaÊ(California), Nupur LalaÊ(Florida), Emily Stagg (Connecticut), and Ashley White (Washington, DC).ÊAnnually, about 9-million schoolchildren participate in first-round competition. Eventually, 249 regional champions travel to Washington (DC) for the national championship. That seems like an unwieldy number until you observe how quickly a contestant can be eliminated by one incorrect letter. The tension builds rapidly and compellingly as each of the aforementioned is eliminated until....
Frankly, although I had read some favorable reviews of this film, I did not anticipate how engaging the contestants would prove to be, how amusing the film sometimes is but also how poignant and even (almost) painful, and how effectively this film illustrates cultural, racial, and socio-economic diversity in the United States. For me, the production values have a certain innocence (if that's the correct word) which is so appropriate to the contestants as they courageously step forth and do their best. True, only one national champion emerges but as I observed the emergence of that champion, I was reminded of all the hours I have spent in years past as a volunteer in various Special Olympics track and field competitions. Neither the adults nor the participants ever thought in terms of "winners" and "losers." Nor should those who see this film. Truth may not always be stranger than fiction but, as this film clearly demonstrates, it has more credibility.
59 Brilliant
JEFF Blitz's astonishing documentary follows eight children in their early teens as they prepare for, and take part in the National Spelling Bee. As they progress from their regional competitions to the televised finals in D.C., they are shown researching and testing themselves, romping through well-thumbed dictionaries and running the spellcheck gauntlet.
Had this been the sum of it, this would have made a mildly interesting film about competitive children. But Spellbound explores the family background of each child, stealthily revealing the roots of their obsession. The result is a powerful, moving and often very funny exploration of what it is to be an American.
Widely differing in social class, ethnic origin and levels of wealth, the families show support for their children in many different ways. Angela's story is particularly extraordinary. A pale teenage girl with a mouthful of braces and a ready smile, she is the daughter of Mexican illegal immigrants, neither of whom speaks a word of English. Her self-taught English is impeccable and she devises methods of word-association with graphs and maps that would credit an etymology scholar. Watching her pore over her handmade charts while her ranch-hand father rounds up the cows is unbearably moving.
Equally touching is the story of Ashley, the oldest daughter of a black single mother living in the projects. With two uncles " incarcerated", Ashley calmly reveals that she prays to God to assist her in overcoming the many obstacles of her underprivileged position.
Then there is the hyperactive Harry and the hulking Ted, an isolated giant with a near-genius IQ and serial killer's eyes, who lives in a trailer with his parents and a brother who "loves guns".
Blitz chances upon several moments that serious documentary-makers would die for. A sign put up by the community to cheer on their local champion, a young Asian girl, reads "Congradulations Nupur". During the tense finals, the heavily pressurised Neil, a serious East Indian boy whose parents are the nightmare aspect of the American Dream, has to spell "Darjeeling" - a word entirely unknown to him.
60 cannot say ENOUGH
How can ANYONE not completely love this movie? I saw it alone at an "off the beaten path" theatre and counted the months until it would be released to DVD to share it with my family! It's adorable, hilarious, uplifting and amazing to see such dedicated kids and their exciting journey to the National Spelling Bee. Please see this one even if you think you'd hate it!
61 A fascinating subculture
This movie was way more interesting than one might think a documentary about spelling bees would be.
This documentary covers 8 young spelling champs who are competing at the spelling nationals. The director has filmed this in such a way that the viewer is given insight and background into these children's lives and family relations.
The most interesting aspect of this film, to me, was the different strategies and family dynamics that went into each of these 8 competitors. Some came from well-to-do families that gave the child drive and focus, while others came from average American homes and received support but no pressure (not in all cases). These children seemed to be driven for different reasons than the others. Another interesting aspect was the influence of religion in some of the children's lives. The director was direct and honest in presenting this important element.
I found this a very interesting movie that was well filmed and edited. I especially enjoyed the DVD feature that let the viewer know where these kids are today, I found this gave a bit more closure than just seeing them win or lose.
62 On the road to the National Spelling Bee Competition
This clever documentary follows eight young contestants of the National Spelling Bee Competition held in Washington, DC in 1999. Although they are competing for the same prize, each contestant is as individual as two strangers walking down the street. Several are second generation Americans who possess their parents' work ethic while others are born competitors. Some maintain a rigorous study schedule while others are more relaxed. They each come from such diverse and socioeconomic backgrounds. The cameras follow each contestant from the regional spelling bees to Washington as they confront fear and nervousness while they spell words that the average American has never heard of before. Sometimes the parents are more nervous and anxious than the contestants! Not all make it past the first round, but I couldn't help cheering for each to spell the word without hearing the dreaded bell. In a more abstract sense this film portrays how spelling bees represent a sense of belonging to America and is a "community process" that highlights how the role of education is a stepping-stone in leading a successful life in America. Whether one accepts the intended political undertones of this film is up to the individual but I found it a little too simplistic for my own taste. Regardless, as someone who has never participated in spelling bees to any extent such as these eight contestants I can now better appreciate the determination and hard work that goes into spelling bees. Don't forget to watch the "Where are they now?" segment in the special features as you can see how each contestant has moved on into the next segment of their lives. SPELLBOUND is an interesting look into the lives of eight spelling bee contestants. Recommended.
63 Oh Sweet Irony
Apparently "Former Speller" ZONGIRL never was asked to spell "behavior" in any competition...
64 Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
You will fall in love with the story of each of the 8 kids whose paths to the bee are followed. Humor, drama, suspense. Who could ask for anything more.
65 Good But Not Great
I don't know what that Amazon reviewer is talking about..."Suspenseful as a Hitchock thriller"? You must be joking. Don't get me wrong. It will hold your attention and it has strong moments, but there are so many other BETTER documentaries out there like "Go Tigers" for example. I think this would be best appreciated if you go in with low expectations. Otherwise you are going to come out of this very dissapointed. My wife and I were anyway.
66 How do you spell splendiferous?
Spellbound is a humane masterpiece. The children are endearing and fascinating, and their families are so revealing. This film could be profitably used in the junior high or high school classroom as a springboard for discussion of any number of things--individual learning styles, the value (or not) of competition, goal-setting and the drive to be the best, accepting those who are different, what it means to be an immigrant, etc. The film should also be seen by any person who is or intends to be a language arts teacher for this age group, because for many of these students, the teacher was very involved in the process, and we get to meet several of them as the film progresses. Great, great documentary.
67 I saw this film with my daughter and we both LOVED IT!
I saw this film with my 15 year old daughter and we absolutely loved every moment. We were riveted to the screen!!! It is rare that mother and teen-age daughter can both feel the same way about a film. This film is hilarious, touching and extremely interesting. I couldn't wait for the DVD to come out because this is something you can watch again and again.
The whole family can watch this together and everyone will find something to enjoy in it.
68 MOST ENDEARING FILM AROUND!
This documentary is the sweetest and funniest I have ever seen! If you're feeling a tad blue, or just in the mood to laugh - this is a MUST SEE! The filmmaker tracts the trials and tribulations of brilliant children and their families in search of the National Spelling Bee championship. You'll be amazed at the effort and dedication these children put forth as they make sacrifices to be the best speller they can be. If children in our country are truly this earnest and talented - our world is surely in very good hands!
69 You don't know the real story...
Though many people who watch this movie knowing absolutely nothing about the NSB and its spellers may be deceived into thinking it's a great, true-to-life story, take my advice and know that: IT IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS. Being a former speller myself, I can truthfully testify to the fact that it is all a bunch of ridiculous baloney. There is SO much behind-the-scenes info. that is NOT mentioned at all, such as how "certain" spellers got "certain" books and study guides that were not known to all spellers...In the end, please don't think that these kids are geniuses (though a small percentage may really be), they are just great memorizers. Why, anyone could go through thousands and thousands of words in these booklets for a whole year (or more) and know virtually every word out there. After all, how many different words can the NSB ask??
It is a waste of money to see this film because it is unfortunately, a silly, false documentary that chronicles the "good" side of the Spelling Bee, with no mention whatsoever of the real truth. It is just so absurd and horrid to see that this movie has gotten rave reviews and five stars all-the-way because these people just don't know how washed-up this film is.
Also, I personally find some of the kids' personalities just plain annoying and irksome. (i.e. Neil's pushy Dad, Nuper's pridefulness, Harry's freshness) Though they may viewed upon as "cute," I remain true to my humble opinion.
The only exception I find is George Thampy; one can tell that he is truly a hard worker and does not care for the fame that all the others get wrapped up in. He is a very humble lad and deserves praise for his behavior. (Take THAT copperblue17--what are you talking about??)
70 MOST AMAZING MOVIE EVER!
In one word- STELLAR! This movie has changed my whole outlook on life, and it can do the same for you... Musical robots and the fate of a million starving people in India resting in one child's spelling abilities... What more could you want from a movie? I'm not gonna lie, I may be in love with Georgie Thampe...
71 Honestly, one of the funniest movies...
This is really one of the funniest movies I have seen - although I'm not sure it's meant to be. Harry, one of the kids in the competition, is an absolute riot. This is worth every penny! It has everything you need in a couple hours of entertainment.
72 Real Life Drama
Watching a movie about 250 junior high students attempting to spell words most of us have never heard of sounds crazy, but Spellbound does just what a good documentary should do - it perfectly captures the drama, tension, and emotions of these contestants and their families.
As a parent of a three-time contestant in the National Spelling Bee, I can assure you that this movie really does capture the intensity of the event. From competing in local, regional, and the National Bees, it shows it all. "I won the school bee last year. What if I goof and fail?" "I won the regional bee last year. Everyone expects me to repeat. What if I get a word I don't know?" "Now that I made it to Washington, will I do better than last year?" The trememdous pressure on the spellers, both internal and external, shows through in this film. You will find yourself cheering for each speller as the field is whittled down from 250 to only one winner.
73 One of thought.
Spellbound is a gem of a movie. It does not have sex,violence,or bad language to reel people into the movie. To most people this movie would sound boring. But to somebody this movie was a thriller. If you have ever been to the scripps howard notional spelling bee you owe it to yourself to see this movie. I have been to the national spelling be twice and i will probably go there again this year this movie made me feel the same jittereyness i had when i was spelling. The whole movie is nail biting fun but when that one person wins (wink wink) you will be cheering for them. Remember me when I win the next spelling bee.
74 This is a great, entertaining, emotionally satisfying movie.
Spellbound is that brightest of gems: A terrific, engaging movie with no sex, violence, bad language, or even a massive sociological message. Just a small but involving story, told with light-hearted humour and surprising moments of emotional connection that's as purely positive a filmgoing experience as I can think of.
This movie also shows that you don't need eye candy to have a great film. The grainy shooting, often muddy sound and slightly wobbly camera in no way detract from the movie. The filmmakers are so good at capturing what's happening and their subjects are so interesting that all technical aspects become moot -- as they well should be.
At the heart of the movie are the eight kids in the competition, all of them marvelous characters. The filmmakers did a superb job diversifying the subject, for if Spellbound had been merely a documentary about a spelling bee, it would inevitably have fallen into repetitiveness. Instead, it succeeds in sketching out eight character studies before sending them on their central journey, and we respond to and are sympathetic to them along the way. And the moments of emotional connection are both surprising and touching: When one contestant (no spoiler) cries in her mother's arms after nerves got her eliminated early in the bee; when a zealous father clasps his hands in prayer at his son's hesitation on the stage; when a father and mother have to leave the auditorium because they can't bear the suspense. If you were to describe the situations outside of the film's context they might sound too small and insignificant to make great cinema, but the film lends such a sympathetic and detailed eye -- and the people themselves have such a good sense of humour -- that you'll find yourself drawn to them. And the kids -- an entertaining bunch: The obsessive, serious Neil, the nihilistic Ted; hyperactive oddball Harry; precocious, articulate Emily, whose sardonic remarks are achingly hilarious; shy, pessimistic April. After their introduction, I felt like they were kids living on my street, and I became more attached to them than I do to most movie characters or documentary subjects.
This is the kind of film we need more of. No tricks, no flash, and no huge fiery set pieces; just a very well-told story with deep-reaching characters and an inexorable forward narrative whose pacing leaves most blockbusters in the dust. Essential viewing!
75 Thrilling!!
It is hard for me to express how much I loved this movie. I'm all for escapism, drama, or eye candy in movies. However, this film is a perfect example of how the experiences of real people can be just as compelling. The kids each have distinct personalities and differing reasons for participating in the National Spelling Bee. Watching them interact with their family, and discuss what the competition means to them is charming. Hearing the expectations of the parents is at times amusing, other times infuriating. Once you get to the actual competition in Washington, you feel for these kids so much that it ends up being nerve-wracking and intense even for the theater audience. If you see one movie this summer, don't make it another soulless special-effects behemoth. Spellbound is where the real drama is to be found.
76 Can you spell "The American Dream"?
"Spellbound" followed eight kids, winners of their regional spelling bees, as they participate in the nation-wide contest. The filmmakers deliberately choose the most diverse possible group of kids: one kid's dad is a Mexican immigrant, one African-American kid who grew up in a single-parent family in D.C., two Indian children of immigrants striving for the American "good life," one kid's dad owns a bar in the Rust Belt, one kid comes from a well-to-do family in Connecticut, one from rural Missouri, etc.
Because of this set of kids, the movie's theme becomes something like "the American Dream," the idea that anyone with enough pluck and determination can achieve perfection - even if "only" in spelling. There's something pure about their ambition; even if being a great speller doesn't get you Great Places in life, these students work sheerly for the sense of accomplishment it brings, not for the wordly rewards.
In the hands of less capable filmmakers, this film could have been condescending rather than uplifting. Actually, it toys with condescension in some places: the rich kid seems a little out of touch, the Indian kids seem particularly competitive, not one but both Midwestern kids are celebrated in their hometowns by signs at their schools--that are MIS-spelled. But fundamentally the makers liked the kids, and this affection will send you out of the theater with a smile on your face.
77 Enthralling, compelling look at an American institution
There was plenty of material to make an interesting and charming film about eight youngsters who made it to the 1999 National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. What is unexpected in Spellbound is the collective power of the individual snapshots of these very different children.
The eight featured contestants come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. While one rides public transportation to the Bee another chatters about whether or not to bring her au pair to this year's contest. There are children whose fathers speak no English, and others apparently without custodial fathers at all. All are linked by a drive and desire to excel, much of which comes from whatever family they have. More than one parent talks of the National Spelling Bee as a microcosm for America itself, the land of opportunity, where any child conceivably has the chance to reach the top. The latter half of the film, following the progress of the Bee itself, is almost unbearably suspenseful as the viewer has gotten to know the children and their families as individual human beings. If there is any one film that families should see this year it is this one, for the quiet lessons it conveys about America and the human condition as well as for the engrossing drama it encapsulates.
78 A Spellbinding Film About What Makes America Great
This is an absolutely marvelous film. My five star rating indicates that it is in the same class as the best films that I have seen this year, not just that it is a superior documentary. Director Jeffrey Blitz had the insight to recognize that the documentary format could be utilized to examine his subject in a surprising dramatic way. In my opinion this movie deserved the Academy Award in the documentary category and the resultant attention that would have resulted, but hopefully the word of mouth will be strong enough to make a wider audience aware of it.
The subject is very simple, the high pressure competition to become the winner of the National Spelling Bee. The competition begins at the local level and culminates with 249 regional winners competing in Washington, D.C. for the championship title and the $10,000 prize. The film focuses on eight of the competitors. It interviews them and their families (and in some cases their local classmates and competitors, teachers and others who know them well) and follows them as they proceed through the competition. We get to laugh with them (and there are many very funny moments) and share their tension and their tears. We see them miss the simple but unknown words as well as the long and difficult words and you find out that they can ask about the derivation and the meaning if they feel that will help them, so foreign language skills are also important.
Their eight stories are wonderfully diverse and often inspiring and enchanting. Several are the children of immigrants and they are representative of the melting pot of America - black, Caucasian, Asian and Mexican. Some have very successful parents and others come from single parent homes of very modest means. Some are home schooled, several are enrolled in their local public schools, and some have the advantage of private schooling (and extensive tutoring for the competition) while one parent does not even speak English. A few have previously been to the national competition (or have siblings who advanced that far) and we wonder if perhaps those experiences might provide an advantage. Among other rules, we learn that the participants can be up to fourteen years old but cannot have graduated from eighth grade, so the students who are more advanced academically have to compete at an earlier age. These kids are a true cross section of America who share one goal - to be crowned the champion at the end of the competition. Their dedication and intensity is inspiring in light of the fact that they know that as in most competitive endeavors there will ultimately be only one champion. Before the movie is over, we are also treated to reminiscences by several of the previous winners including the winner of the original competition in 1925.
This film clearly illustrates the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. But it does so much more - it is of course a mystery (as we wait to see who will ultimately win) and also a very moving and sometimes emotional film in which the audience finds it easy to identify with the participants and their parents. We worry about the fact that maybe the playing field isn't level - sophisticated coaching and tutuoring in some cases versus relatively simple and naive practice methods in other instances. But each contestant is determined to do his/her best and willing to take the chance of suffering disappointment. Thus they all seem to emerge as winners in the end, even as they come to understand the major role that chance often plays at crucial times as revealed by the comment "Maybe I could have won, I knew the spelling of every single word that was asked except for the one that I had to spell". So, when you want to have an uplifting experience, see this film. The ninety-five minutes fly by and you will undoubtedly be moved as several members of the immigrant families explain that this opportunity is the essence of America and indicative of why they wanted to raise their families here.
79 Under the spell of unusual words.
In 1996 and 1997, I was a nervous parent watching my daughter compete in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. Therefore, I had a personal interest when I went to see the Oscar nominated documentary, "Spellbound," directed by Jeffrey Blitz.
Blitz does what every good documentary filmmaker tries to do. He personalizes his subject. By focusing on eight competitors from different parts of the United States, from a variety of ethnic groups, and from different social classes, Blitz engages the audience's interest in the individual contestants. From Angela, the Mexican-American daughter of a laborer who speaks no English, to Emily, the privileged daughter of wealthy parents, we get a close look at the hometowns, the family lives and the personalities of these eight bright and ambitious kids.
"Spellbound" enchants because of its great storytelling, its sharp editing, its humor and its celebration of a piece of Americana. In an age of high-speed computers, digital cameras and PDA's, it is quaint and enchanting to observe children who still regard the written word with reverence. Are the parents too pushy? Undoubtedly. Is there an element of child abuse in putting kids through this torture? Perhaps. However, no matter how you look at it, all of the contenders are terrific kids and Jeff Blitz has done a wonderful job of bringing their stories to life.
80 as good or better than any christopher guest movie
if you enjoy christopher guests' pseudo-documentaries, you will love this movie. there are many unintentionally funny moments and situations, sometimes as bizarre and loopy as the aforementioned director's movies. jeffrey blitz' direction and yana gorskaya's editing keep the pace of the movie high. the camera work capture and magnify the emotions of the characters so you cannot help but empathize.
the movie follows eight kids competing in the national spelling bee in washington, DC. the kids come from a variety of backgrounds and have very different personalities. the goal, of course, is to win the contest. however, the nuances in what winning represents to each one is very enlightening to see. you will find yourself rooting for one or more of these kids as they prepare themselves to go up against 250 competitors, each a champion in their city/district/region. you will find yourself spelling alongside them in each round (just make sure to keep your voice down). or amazed at their ability to spell even the most obscure word. these elements of the movie definitely add to the suspense and the involvement for the audience.
81 outstanding
This little documentary is a humane masterpiece--I'll be buying it the instant it comes out on DVD. The children are endearing and fascinating, and their families are so revealing. This film could be profitably used in the junior high or high school classroom as a springboard for discussion of any number of things--individual learning styles, the value (or not) of competition, goal-setting and the drive to be the best, accepting those who are different, what it means to be an immigrant, etc. The film should also be seen by any person who is or intends to be a language arts teacher for this age group, because for many of these students, the teacher was very involved in the process, and we get to meet several of them as the film progresses. Great, great documentary.
82 A "spellbinding" movie ^_^
Spellbound is a wonderful documentary that follows 8 teens who make it to the National Spelling Bee. Being a former NSB participant, I could definitely relate to parts of each of their stories. But even if you have never participated in a spelling bee, you will find yourself rooting for all of these teens. The movie takes on many moods; at times it can be uplifting (each contestant's determination and hope), hilarious (April's parents, the Hooters sign, Harry's thought process, etc.), and definitely suspenseful (watching them spell gave me goosebumps!). The great music, especially harmonica, just adds to the movie! The only bad part of Spellbound may be that with that so many subjects, it MIGHT feel a little long-winded at some points. But don't let that keep you from seeing Spellbound-you'll be engrossed until the very end.
83 Don't miss this one!
This has to be the best movie that I have seen in the first half of 2003. Don't let the title or the concept throw you for a loop on this one. It is an excellent, gripping movie. While about the National Spelling Contest, it relates the stories of 8 young teens in their quest to be the number one speller. Its really about the teens, their families, and how they made it to the national spelling bee. Contestants range from a daughter of an Mexican immigrant family who does not speak English at home, through families throughout the midwest, and well to do families that hire many coaches for their children to compete.
All of the contestants are compelling, some in their personal desire to achieve, some in the family focus on their child winning, and some are just amused to be there. The real people provide a script that is better than any writer can write. The editing is so good that our audience was spelling out the words and cheering and sighing when contestants were in the final stages of their competition.
If you get the chance I would definately go and rush out and see this one. You will walk away feeling great after this uplifting movie. You will never forget some of this contestants!
84 C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G. Charming.
"Spellbound," Jeffrey Blitz's documentary of the 1999 National Spelling Bee, shares a title with one of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous movies, and Blitz manages to make the mental anguish of the young spellers before the mike a matter of near-Hitchcockian suspense. Blitz follows the fortunes of eight young regional spelling champs from vastly different home towns, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Some study hard--one contender practices spelling words constantly with his father, then studies further with a spelling coach--while others just seem to have a knack for spelling. But all eight share one thing: all are much smarter than--and not quite in step with--their peers. So in the end "Spellbound" becomes as much a celebration of individuality as of intellect and motivation. The competition brings some disappointment and heartbreak, for the audience as well as the contestants: I was disappointed, for example, that the three contestants I was rooting for the most were the first three eliminated. But Blitz makes the point that all these kids are winners, and there are far worse ways to while away an afternoon than to spend it with eight likable, admirable young people.
