Nightingale, The (ATOM Study Guide)

Look up from the iPad for a moment. You never know what you're missing.

Urbane and affluent ten-year-old Renxing (Yang Xin Yi) immerses herself day and night in a brightly lit world of handheld electronic devices. When her parents leave on separate business trips, Renxing has to accompany her grandfather (Li Bao Tian) on a trip through the Chinese countryside to his tiny hometown, far from both reception and electricity. Renxing can't bear the thought of leaving the city, but soon discovers the joys of living offline.

A timeless tale of intergenerational misunderstanding with a modern edge, The Nightingale is the latest offering from French filmmaker Philippe Muyl. Ravishingly shot and filled with heart, the film reminds us that even in the age of Wikipedia there is plenty that the oldest can teach the youngest – and vice-versa.

Curriculum Links

The Nightingale is suitable for secondary students in Years 9–12 undertaking subjects within the learning areas of English, Language (Chinese) and The Arts (Media Arts), and is relevant to the General Capability of Intercultural Understanding.