* I teach French to 7th and 8th grade students in Massachusetts. * I love this film (and novel), and I concur with all the positive comments listed in this website. The video of "A Tale of Two Cities" was a treasured gift to me from my father, whose WWII experiences over and in France made him a life-long francophile. It is now my gift to share as an "end-of-year" activity for my 7th grade French classes. I can honestly say that I gladly watch the whole film through with my 7th grade students each June, and I am never bored. * For my students, what is extraordinary about this film is its wealth of insights (novel, sometimes shocking, but always memorable to a 13-year-old) into the French Revolution, social justice, revolutionary rhetoric, philosophy, courage, cruelty, daily life in the unmechanized and non-electronic 18th century, the range of effects of extreme suffering on the mind and emotions, and an appreciation of the beauty and technical sophistication of possible in such an "old" film.
* The pronunciation of French in this film is acceptable, but the English is an absolute treat! Think of the diction of any typical modern 13-year-old. Now compare that to Ronald Colman's resonant, articulate speech! I advise my kids beforehand to pay close attention to him and they do notice how expressive and moving his voice is. * I can only devote 3-4 classes to this film, and it's not quite enough--the children demand lots of explanation/discussion time. But if you have the time and an opportunity to plan activities, I highly recommend this fabulous film!
* The pronunciation of French in this film is acceptable, but the English is an absolute treat! Think of the diction of any typical modern 13-year-old. Now compare that to Ronald Colman's resonant, articulate speech! I advise my kids beforehand to pay close attention to him and they do notice how expressive and moving his voice is. * I can only devote 3-4 classes to this film, and it's not quite enough--the children demand lots of explanation/discussion time. But if you have the time and an opportunity to plan activities, I highly recommend this fabulous film!