Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
An inspiring story about the underdog of a high school robotics team.
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Videos and photos
What is the story?
Director Mary Mazzio’s documentary UNDERWATER DREAMS is a David vs. Goliath story about how a low-income robotics team from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix went up against teams from renowned universities like MIT in a 2004 national underwater robotics competition. undocumented Mexican immigrants from a poor Phoenix neighborhood) surpass all possible expectations, inspiring 10-year-old students interested in engineering. The last third of the film focuses on immigration reform and how Carl Hayden’s robotics students are at the forefront of the problem.
Is it good?
This documentary is a feel-good movie reminiscent of the ghost Stop and deliver and Lean on me. Those films, like this one, show how poor, disenfranchised students can thrive when they are encouraged and supported instead of belittled and overlooked. Interviews with the original 2004 team and their advisors reveal how the team entered college because failure against MIT was more bearable and understandable than failure against other high school teams. Mazzio spends a lot of time on the MIT team and even digs into the personal lives of two of Carl Hayden’s team teachers, but it’s the immigrant students who are the most fascinating. It’s surprisingly emotional to see 20-year-old men admit that until high school they had no idea they could make a difference in the world, that in a world of negative stereotypes and messages, their robotics instructors stand out as rare beacons of hope. and encouragement.
A little more than halfway through the film, Underwater Dreams shifts its focus from the 2004 robotics competition to how the outcome affected Carl Hayden’s community of Latino students, many of whom are undocumented. Interviewing a variety of renowned engineers and robotics entrepreneurs, including Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway, Underwater Dreams argues why these Carl Hayden alums deserve a shot at the American Dream, regardless of their citizenship status.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can talk about it Underwater DreamsThe theme of David vs. Goliath. Why is it so compelling to see an underdog win?
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The film is about more than a robotics competition. Were you surprised when the film turned into a story about undocumented students? Do you agree with the film’s stance on immigration?
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What are some other documentary or fictional stories about low-income students who exceed expectations and overcome obstacles? what are your favorites?
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How it works Underwater Dreams promote curiosity, persistence and teamwork? Why are these character strengths important?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children