Holiday Homework: analysis of a teen film

Save The Last Dance:

 

Director: Thomas Carter
This is a teen film produced by MTV Films and distributed through Paramout Pictures. The film is about an interracial couple trying to deal with their predjudice peers whilst also pursuing their love of dance. It all starts when Sara (Julia Stiles, also popular for other teen movies such as 10 Things I Hate About You) moves to live with her dad after the death of her mother, which she feels partly responsible for. She moves to an urban Chicago school and is essentially 'alienated'. Giving up dance for a while, she tries to get on with her life and her difficult relationship with her father. We are then introduced to Derrek (Sean Patrick Thomas), whom she dislikes at first, and becomes friends with his sister, Chenile. She then falls in love with Derrek who inspires her to pursue her dream of being a ballerina and to get into Julliard. Throughout all of this, the couple endure confrontations with those who have a problem with their relationship. Derrek also teaches her how to dance, the urban way.

The movie also deals with gun crime, gang violence, racism and alienation, all typical assets of a teen film. The difficult parental relationship Sara has with her father can also be relatable to some young adults. Derrek is also confronted by conflicted loyalties between his love for Sara and his friendship with his best friend Malakai, who doesn't approve. Malakai is also involved with gang life, which Derrek doesn't want anymore.