if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

I Am a Promise: The Children of Stanton Elementary School (1993)*** (out of 4) Oscar-winning documentary takes a look at the various issues at a South Philadelphia middle school where over 90% of the students are living in poverty with a single parent. Filmmakers Alan and Susan Raymond who spent a year at the school where they captured the drugs, the lack on income and various other issues that really makes one wonder what hope any of these students have. There's no doubt that this film comes with a message and that's the fact that no child should go without any education. Throughout the film we're reminded that these children have very little hope and in the end we're given a message that so much more needs to be done for these inner city schools. I think anyone watching the film can see that more could be done and I'm sure most would agree that every child needs an education but the really strange thing about this documentary is that it shines the light on some very bad students who are really bringing their entire classes down. You really do wonder about some of these students and ask yourself if their lack of respect and discipline are really hurting those around them who might want to get an education or try to better themselves. Even worse are seeing some of the parents who simply don't care about the problems of their children, which to me is what the message should have really been. What are the schools to do when the children don't want to learn and their parents don't care if they learn? Overall the documentary is well made and takes a look at a big problem without really giving any answers for ways to improve it.

This is an Oscar-winning documentary about a school in a lousy neighborhood in Philadelphia. Crime, drugs and poverty are rampant with the families of these elementary school kids--and it shows in violent behavior in the kids and too many of these kids grow up to be failures. It's really sad to watch, because there IS so much promise with the kids--and some are somehow doing well despite having so much stacked against them. But with others, even at age 7 and 8, you can see that their future is pretty bleak. As for the teachers and especially the principal, when the film begins they seem hopeful and energetic, but as the film progresses, you see frustration, frayed nerves and the staff just seem overwhelmed by the kids--who, in many case, are just too wild and undisciplined. Watching the teachers, at times, is like watching them trying to plug up the holes on a crumbling levee.The film is very insightful for people not familiar with inner-city schools and reminded me of the kids I often worked with as a social worker and school teacher. But, and here's the tough part, the film offers no real answers--mostly because there really aren't any. Money and more staff (despite what the principal says) won't make up enough for the damage many of these kids get from drug-addicted or incarcerated or completely absent parents--as well as the impact of living in a neighborhood from hell. But I do agree with her that it's sad that this just doesn't seem to bother many people, as the kids are apparently disposable. As a result, it's a very depressing film though you can really respect that the teachers, despite the odds, try very hard. In a few cases, you can see the teachers don't make the best decision or react poorly to the kids, but I think anyone dealing with this situation would have many such lapses. And, I could see why the principal, at the end of the film, left for another school where there is most likely a greater sense of hope.It might be interesting to see where these kids are now, but I am not sure I really want to know.Overall, a very good film that lacks answers but it does sound a rallying cry. Sadly, though, I am not sure how much really is going to change.

I am completely puzzled by how this documentary received the awards it did. This story has a compelling starting point for the development of an outstanding documentary but really it seems to be simply a step up from a handy cam home video. I would have loved to hear about the Principal's thinking on education, and how that works in a school forgotten by the government. What is her philosophy of discipline or school management. The concept of "I am a Promise" seems to smack of indoctrination, even if it is a good sentiment. How that concept is integrated in all of the curriculum, if it is, would have been an outstanding example of a comprehensive pedagogy thoughtfully developed. This was a rather large school and to hear from the staff what they felt was going on would have provided a more three dimensional view. How the principal worked with the staff, how she coached them in her thinking, and what they thought of her approach would have made for an outstanding documentary. There would have been great potential if the issues were filled out a bit with some concrete facts and they "why" of the situation. I felt that if I watched the first five minuets and the last 5 minuets I would have seen the entire documentary. As it turned out I got little more than a glimpse of the tip of a much bigger issue. Not much to walk away with.

This is to date, one of the most incredible documentaries or movies I have ever seen in my life. Told in raw, direct and masterfull fashion, the stories of the elementary school located in inner city Philly is put on the screen as a testament to these children.I have never seen such hero's on the screen. The principal of the school must be one of the greatest and remarkable people on earth. The man teaching the first grade all male class is a true prophet and visionary of how we can escape the social problems of our day. He truly understands and with confidence administers more then his share of effort to heal our broken world.Think I'm sensationalizing this movie? Find this movie, watch it, and if you don't agree with me, I will personally send you what you paid to rent/buy this movie. It gave me a grim sense of the condition we are in as human beings, however at the same time displayed the key of hope to our future in children. A masterpiece.