Clip activities
During the film, Ellie struggles with the ethics of the situation that the group is confronted with. This clip is taken from a scene where the group shares their feelings about what they think they should do. On the one hand, Ellie asks: 'How many people is it ok to kill to keep me alive? At what point do we lose ourselves?' On the other hand, she feels that 'In the end, we just have to trust our instincts.' And her instincts tell her: 'It's time to go to war.'
Watch the clip closely then work on the activity below:
With a partner, draft a brief response to Ellie's questions. In your response, try to show an awareness of the complex and difficult choices facing people during wartime and your understanding of the concepts of 'the self' and 'instincts'.
Now view the rest of the clips on the study DVD. As you view the clips, make notes on the PSHEE Viewing chart:
Watch the study clips on the DVD and discuss the questions that follow:
- Different cultures and societies identify the transition from adolescence to adulthood in different ways. These transitions are often referred to as 'rites of passage'. In Tomorrow When The War Began, the characters do have to make a transition from innocent teenagers to hardened soldiers. What do these clips suggest about how 'rites of passage' will feature in the film?
- How do the different situations faced by the characters highlight elements of their personalities and their attitude to risk-taking? How do you react to these characters and why? Think about the conflict between fear and bravery.
- From watching these clips, do you think this is more a film about war or more about young people moving from adolescence to adulthood? Give evidence for your answer.
