Emperor's Club Synopsis "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -- William A. Ward In The Emperor's Club, William Hundert (Kevin Kline) is a great teacher. As the assistant headmaster and professor of Western Civilization at the St. Benedict Academy for Boys, he believes that the benefit associated with studying the classics lies in recognizing and adopting the values and principles which the great thinkers of the past exemplify. Such ethical and moral values define Hundert's existence and he strives to pass them on to the generations that follow him. "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best." His aim therefore is not only to fill young minds with knowledge, but also to help mold their characters and establish the standards by which they will live their lives. Reproving a student for walking on the grass, he teaches, "Walk on the path, young man, where great men have walked before you." When the student concurs because it is better for the grass, Hundert's curt reply is "No. It is better for you." His is a noble endeavor but as a great sculptor needs pliable clay, great teachers need willing students. Into Hundert's life walks the disrespectful Sedgewick Bell who is anything but willing or pliable. Though Hundert sees potential in this obviously intelligent Vis-i-goth (Hundert's description), the son of an influential senator shows little interest in learning what his teacher has to offer. His ambivalence and lack of moral discipline prove to be somewhat infectious and much of the film deals with the conflict between Hundert and Bell as they vie for control of the class. The Message "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Like Mr. Holland's Opus, and Dead Poets' Society, both of which are fine films featuring a teacher as the central character, The Emperor's Club focuses upon the lasting impact a teacher can make upon his students... and vice versa. Everyone, at some point or another, has had need of a teacher. How else is information passed from person to person and generation to generation? If there were no teachers, there would be no advancement, no intellectual growth, and no opportunity to understand things beyond our own grasp. Those who want to learn and grow will recognize this very easily. "And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the from prophet Isaiah, and said, Do you Understand what I have read? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him." Acts 8:30-31 (KJV) The power unleashed by the dynamic combination of a student who is hungry to learn and a teacher who is willing to instruct is so great that it can change the world... one person at a time. Scriptures 2Ti 2:2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Pro 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase in learning. Cheating Cheating carries inescapable consequences. Scripture: Leviticus 6:1-5 Hundert realizes that Sedgewick is cheating. He informs the headmaster, who tells Hundert to let it go and do nothing. Hundert instead gives Sedgewick a question he can't answer to prevent him from winning. Cheating inevitably damages the cheater, even if he or she doesn't get caught. With studies pointing out the rampant nature of this "white" sin, it's imperative to address this topic. You are challenged to live with integrity, rely on the promise that God rewards the righteous and brings judgment upon the liar and thief, which forms the roots of cheating. Discussion Questions:  ·What are some common situations people cheat in besides tests? Have you ever cheated? If so, why did you do it? How did you feel afterwards? ·What excuses do you hear used by people who cheat? What excuse did you use to cheat? Is there any justification for cheating? Why or why not? ·Do you think our society frowns on cheating? Why or why not? ·Read aloud Leviticus 6:1-5. Lev 6:1 The LORD said to Moses, Lev 6:2 "If any one sins and commits a breach of faith against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor Lev 6:3 or has found what was lost and lied about it, swearing falsely--in any of all the things which men do and sin therein, Lev 6:4 when one has sinned and become guilty, he shall restore what he took by robbery, or what he got by oppression, or the deposit which was committed to him, or the lost thing which he found, Lev 6:5 or anything about which he has sworn falsely; he shall restore it in full, and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs, on the day of his guilt offering. ·Do you think this ancient law is fair? Why or why not? ·How can cheating have consequences even if a person doesn't get caught? Do you think cheating only hurts the person who cheats? Why or why not? ·What safeguards can you place in your life now that will prevent you from cheating in the future? Other Topics for discussion Character As Christians, we're called to build and value strong moral character. Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24 After reading Julius Caesar, Sedgewick claims Brutus should have killed Antony and not worried about the morality of the situation. Mr. Hundert asks what cost his immoral victory would bring, stating that Socarates believed it more important to live rightly. That's why Socrates died rather than disobey the country he pledged allegiance to. Sedgewick quips, "Another genius." This clip might make youth a little uncomfortable because it echoes some of their beliefs-it doesn't matter how you get there as long as you come out a winner. Socrates' view agrees with God, though. Our heavenly Father looks for hearts and minds obedient to him and willing to suffer in the name of righteousness. Lead your young people on the path to building a strong moral character, a gift that lasts a lifetime and preaches the gospel through undeniable action. Discussion Questions: ·Do you agree with Sedgewick or Hundert? Why? Why didn't Sedgewick see the value in good character? Do you think he holds the majority view in our society? Why or why not? ·Where have you seen people excuse the poor character of the powerful or famous in our country? What excuses do people give? ·Read aloud Ephesians 4:17-24. Eph 4:17 Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; Eph 4:18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; Eph 4:19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness. Eph 4:20 You did not so learn Christ!-- Eph 4:21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. Eph 4:22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, Eph 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, Eph 4:24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. ·Why must Christians display a strong moral character? Do you think they're known for strong moral character? Why or why not? How have you seen people's "hard hearts" cloud their moral judgment? ·What do you consider to be the cornerstones of a strong, moral character? Do you have these cornerstones in your own life? Why or why not? ·How can you actively build a stronger moral character, and what benefits would this bring? OUR WORD TO THE WISE: The following is a brief summary of the content found in this drama that's been rated PG-13. Profanity consists of several "s" words and slang for genitalia, while other expletives and colorful phrases are also uttered. Some boys look at a porno magazine that briefly shows partial nudity, some male and female students start to undress to go skinny-dipping (but never do get very far), and classic artwork shows male full frontal nudity. Various characters have varying degrees of bad attitudes, including a teacher apparently having an affair and a disruptive student with a bad attitude who cheats. His actions and other material may be enticing for some kids to imitate. Meanwhile, various characters drink or smoke. BLOOD/GORE  ·We see Sedgewick standing at a urinal and hear him urinating, but don't see anything explicit. PROFANITY  ·At least 3 "s" words, 2 nonsexual slang words for female genitals ("p*ssy"), 2 asses (1 used with "hole"), 2 damns, 1 S.O.B, 6 uses of "Oh my God," 5 of "God," 2 of "Oh God" and 1 use each of "For Christ's sakes," "For God's sakes," "Jesus Christ," "Jesus, God in Heaven," "My God," "Oh Christ" and "Oh Jesus" as exclamations. SEX/NUDITY  ·A picture of Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" shows male full frontal nudity. ·Sedgewick pulls out a porno magazine from his footlocker. As other students try to study, he looks at the centerfold (we don't see anything). He then throws it over to them (saying it's from France) and they're astonished/excited by what they see (with one saying, "It shows hair"). Other such magazines are seen in Sedgewick's locker. We then see a shot from one that shows a woman in an old pinup pose that shows the side of her bare breast and bare butt. VIOLENCE  ·A hit baseball accidentally breaks the headmaster's car window.