Scarborough

As some one who worked in Toronto social services, this movie is so spot on with the portrayal of those in need and fall between the cracks, and those that try to assist them with accessing the support they want and need. Bravo.

This film is beautiful and heartbreaking and captures such an authentic feel of what it's like to live in the communities that are often (purposely) forgotten by the powers that be due to race and class. The characters are complex and nuanced, and the acting is natural and compelling, especially from the children, which is so impressive considering many were first time actors and were dealing with portraying extremely tough topics like abuse, poverty, bullying, and acceptance.

6.5 stars

Although I enjoyed the movie, the book was much better. It was incredible to see the characters come to life and how similar they were to the image in my head of how they looked(especially Bing). The movie stayed true to a lot of the elements that were beautifully written in the book, that being said there was quite a bit that was left out. When reading the book I had every emotion come out, watching the movie although mesmerizing from how beautifully it was shot it I had no emotional attachment to it. The books ending had me sobbing and full of joy from reading the masterpiece, the movies ending left it feeling incomplete. 6.5 stars.

Rating would've been 10/10 if not for some pacing problems, and maybe a tighter run time.

Some of the reviews here are saying there are "too many stereotypes" in the movie. I can tell you that those people have not lived and breathed real-life Scarborough. Although it is possible for someone to grow up or live there and be blind to what goes on, it is unfair that they dismiss what the film has accomplished here. Sure, there are films like The Florida Project, and many others that explore various disenfranchised neighborhoods in North America. But this one is about Scarborough, and really, only people who know Scarborough can have any credence here.

I lived in Scarborough briefly as a child, until my single mother decided to move to a "better" neighbourhood to "spare me" from growing up there. I have since returned as a teacher, and many of my teacher friends grew up in Scarborough. From the diverse cast of characters, to their backstories, to the characters you meet on the street, subway, restaurants, to the tragedies that occur, they are all real people I have taught or encountered in my time in Scarborough. As for Ms. Hina's struggle against the white-lensed system, I have personally had administration send emails and speak to me in exactly the same manner portrayed in the film. The only added layer that is missing, but may not have worked in the film, is how many teachers end up not caring and becoming part of the dysfunctional system, as they grow weary of rolling the proverbial boulder up hill. I would say the film did a spectacular job in capturing the humanity and simple joys of Scarborough, without leaning on the more dramatic and sensational realities of what some locals would call Scarlem. I'm glad the crime and violence aspects were not the central focus here. And I can see why the Toronto Film Festival voted and awarded this film the Changemaker Award, because we feel the authenticity of it, while giving Scarborough a voice without relying on the crutch of showing the less savoury parts of it.

Film-wise, no, it's not the best film in terms of the mechanics of it. If it were, it would've gone farther in awards season. But as a local who loves film and has NEVER seen a portrayal of urban Canada life like this before, I'm so proud and honoured with the representation this film...well...represents 🤣.

To the powers that be, please, more films about Canada like this. Flemingdon in the house!

As someone who lives in Scarborough, this resonated with my community in ways unimaginable. Flawed, unfiltered and emotional. This story tells the tale of one of the most underfunded and vulnerable communities here in Toronto. From healthcare to basic living inequalities, this film dives deep into the diverse stories of families attending a local drop-in community program.

Let's address the folks that found aspects of this movie somehow "distasteful". To do this, we have to first recognize the socioeconomic circumstances of the characters.

Let's start with Ms. Mina who is criticized by some viewers as breaking "professional" boundaries. This is not only an extremely narrow-minded and privileged outlook on the portrayal of teachers in low-income community programs but overlooks the aspects of being human. Ms. Mina builds connections with the parents and students to help them have a sense of normalcy in their complicated lives outside the class. These are 'some' of the same critics who would have no problem with Hillary Swank's character breaking boundaries in the movie "Freedom Writers", but when it's a Muslim teacher wearing a hijab, it's somehow controversial. It's tough being a coordinator or teacher for such community programs, some teachers have had to take out of their own wallets just to provide for students like myself when I was a kid, and their actions went a long way for kids like me. Being a compassionate teacher goes a long way, especially for vulnerable students who live under stressful conditions on a daily. It is rare to find a gem who dedicates their heart and soul at government funded community centres, Ms. Mina embodies what teachers should be, the opposite of detached and cold.

A few comments also mentioned the stereotypes in this movie, I can assure you they are not residents of Scarborough. These are not stereotypes but the harsh realities and true stories echoed by some in the community.

And lastly, if you found this movie "too heavy", that simply is the nature of life. Not everything can be sunshines and rainbows. The world is complex and full of emotions, this movie reflects just that. This movie is no cheesy Hollywood show like "This Is Us". It reflects the realities faced by so many living in low income neighbourhoods. When in Toronto, I encourage you to come to Scarborough, experience the vibrant cultures, food and meet people in the community. Only then can you judge for yourself.