“I am Kalam"
1) The scene from the film that touched me occurred when Kalam and the
prince met in Delhi, after Lucy hears Kalam playing music with the wood. When
Kalam and the prince hugged, there was a sense of pure innocence, love, and
trust. This was a turning point in the movie, as both Kalam and the prince
realized the truth about their lives, and the prince told his father that Kalam
was the person who wrote his speech for school. In addition, the prince said
that Kalam does not lie and he did not steal any money from the restaurant. I
believe this scene is important as it shows us that people are able to be angry
with their best friends, and family, but in the end, they care for them and
want the best for them; they support them. This is what occurred in this scene
in the film. Kalam went to Delhi to try and find a better life, as he believed
in the pride and excitement that Lucy advertised, as well as the TV, etc. When
his own family and friends accused him of stealing money, he could not believe
his own mother didn’t trust him, so he escaped his home and decided to run
away. Kalam is confident and observant, and he is a truly optimistic person.
The scene proves he is also brave, jetting off to another country and playing
music for the people. He wants to be accepted, but most of all, he desires to
be appreciated for his honesty.
2) The role of the European girl in Kalam’s life is extremely significant
regarding the whole movie. Ever since she comes to Kalam’s town, she brings a
new, vibrant sense of adventure and opportunity that Kalam has not yet seen. In
addition, she brings with her a sense of excitement and possibility for a
better life. She speaks a different language, and teaches it to Kalam, which is
the first step to accomplishing his dream. It is something new to Kalam, and he
feels that this opportunity will make him successful. She brings an essence of
freedom, and a way out of Kalam’s situation in his town; he is cleaning dishes,
but he wants to learn about the world. This is a way for him to be optimistic
about the world and beyond, and his imagination is revolving around this
exploration sensation that he has yet to complete. The European girl’s
adventurous experience ultimately serves as a foundational system for Kalam’s
“plans” for his future in success and overall educating himself and finding
something more for himself.
3) A tradition that I found fascinating throughout the movie revolved around
what the “truth” can do to you. The truth is said to set you free, and in this
movie, this proves just that. The young prince took the initiative and
contained a virtuous nature and courageous character to tell his father, the
King, that Kalam was not lying, when the whole town, even Kalam’s mother,
accused Kalam of stealing. This willful characteristic serves as a direct
inclination of being honest for the sake of being a good person. Even though
they are young boys, Kalam and the prince know of the meaning of honesty and
ultimately represent and maintain a powerful sense of self. They are role
models and exhibit positive skills that should be appreciated and respected.
In addition to honesty, education and observation were prominent features
throughout the movie that were fascinating as well. The image of education was
only looked upon positively to rich people, with high positions or royalty. For
a “commoner” like Kalam, it was looked down upon because people assumed it
would not benefit his situation. Ultimately, the source of education is seen as
not a rebuke, but a path of opportunities. The tie/television scenes portrayed
an educational societal intrigue to Kalam that inspired his drive and ambition.
Kalam appreciated and was attracted to new things such as the tie. Throughout
the movie, it served as a sense of dignity to Kalam that was his drive and
motivation.
Observation is an important characteristic that Kalam contains. His
consistency in listening and watching people and mimicking them after, proves
that he is an exceptionally gifted boy. This observing process influences his
decision to study and to become something bigger than himself. He believes in
himself, and has a sense of confidence that is instilled in him; his
determination is a crucial key in succeeding. He is always exploring, on the
move to bigger and better things, whether it be learn to read a book, or
healing a donkey. His mother said that “His mind works fast than a train”. This
fact contends the fact that Kalam was smart, observant, and ultimately picked
up certain things on the spot and could imitate them almost perfectly. An
example would be the instrument that he plays for the first time. He could play
it flawlessly, because of his observant way of life. He wants to learn
everything and everything surrounding his environment. Some people are content,
but Kalam was always searching for something and wanted to be challenged.
4) In my culture, education is seen is a must. All children growing up are
expected to go to school, and continue with college, especially the people that
are not financially well off. This is the opposite in the film ‘I am Kalam”.
His mother did not encourage him to go to college, or even school at all. She
thought his place was in the restaurant, working and laboring, without every
trying for something better. She did not know of life beyond the town. Kalam,
on the other hand, had a dream, believed in it, and took initiative towards
conquering it. In my culture, some parents want their children to experience
their own mistakes but others, including my parents, guide us and show us that
education is one of the most important things. With education, we learn,
thrive, and become better people and contribute to the world we live in. In
every culture, we are all looking for knowledge, expression, and understanding.
However, the way in which we express those traits, vary accordingly.
