Geraldine May M.

Villanueva
F2B Reled22
Film Showing: The Emperors Club
1. What is the message of the movie? Do you agree or disagree with it?
Mr. Hundert was heartbroken upon finding out that Bell cheated. He was younger then.
But a very different reaction dawned on him after decades had passed to find out Bell
has not at all changed. He gracefully accepted the universal truth that learning is upon
the hands of the learner himself. A mentor can only give what he can give with the best
of his ability but he can never expect his students to turn out to be who he would want
them all to be. The student himself is much more than compartmentalized student he
is a whole being someone who is totally unique as him, his teacher. Mr. H in his very
wise words summed this wisdom up in his line, and I quote, But the worth of a life is

not determined by a single failure or a solitary success. My other students taught me

that.
Further, if only Bell had enough freedom and support to really think of how he wants to
be he would have found a far better way of defining himself and his individuality. If he
had the freedom, understanding, and support he needed he might have realized that it
is not much about winning against others and being on top that matters the most but
perhaps finding who you really are and who you can be that is. Empowered as he would
have been he might have found something in his education that is personally relevant to
him regardless of whether it will make him a decorated achiever in a diploma-based
society or not.
I certainly agree with the message of the movie that a worth of a person cannot be
determined by the number of medals earned, the success achieved, but the whole being
of a person. Grades do not measure intelligence nor does age define maturity. Thus,
self-realization about the worth of a human being is important in viewing morality. As an
individual, I also value and dream about success. However, I do commit some bad
morals on the way to success. It may be helpful to cheat at times, but I was only fooling
myself having something precious which is not to my worth to have.
As they have said, patience is a virtue and something worth waiting for will be worth it
once you have it. Its like patiently going to school, passing exams, graduating; and then
getting a job, fulfilling your dreams.

If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If it is worth having, it is worth waiting
for. If it is worth attaining, it is worth fighting for. If it is worth experiencing, it is worth
putting aside time for. Jack London

2. Identify a particular event/scene in the movie that could be the best example for each
views of morality we have discussed? Discuss the goodness and wrongness of an action
and its effect to a person.
Morality as LAW: It is the ordinance of reason for the common good.
Object: Sedgewick Bell cheated at the Julius Caesar competition.
Intention: To gain recognition.
Circumstances: He lost in the competition.
*Sedgewick cheating at the competition is immoral, because a morally good act requires a good
object, intention, and circumstances.
Morality as INNER CONVICTION: It is what your conscience is telling you.
Object: Mr. Hundert to confront and tell Blythe about his injustice before.
Intention: To seek forgiveness.
Circumstances: Mr. Hundert attained forgiveness.
*Action done is morally good, because the object, intention, and circumstances are good.
Morality as INNER GROWTH: It is what you want to become considering your virtues and vices.
Object: Bell recourse regression. He continued cheating.
Intention: He believes it is a practical way to success
Circumstances: His son heard his wrong principles.
He continues to corrupt minds as he runs for elections.
*Act is immoral, because Bell continues on to his vices of cheating and lying.
Morality as LOVE: It is the faithful manifestation of unconditional love.
Object: Blythe forgiving Mr. Hundert of his past mistake of giving away Blythes place in
the Emperors Club.
Intention: To let go of the past and move on.
Circumstances: Mr. Hundert gain relief from his mistake.
*It takes a lot of courage, love and understanding to forgive someone. Thus given a good object,
intention, and consequence; Blythes action is deemed morally good.

Morality as SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: It is about being personally affected by suffering and

injustice and being motivated to do what one can in response.
Object: Mr. Hundert giving away Blythes place in the Emperors Club to Bell.
Intention: He wants to give him the opportunity to prove himself to the class.
Circumstances: Blythe lost his place in the contest.
Bell cheated in the said contest.
*Mr. Hundert, having the determination in making Bell into a better person, overlooked the
things by putting into account of sacrificing one of his more deserving students just to put Bell in
his place.

3. Complications come along and make problem solving more difficult. What complications
does the films protagonist face that are similar to those you may have faced in your
various struggles? What are they, and what are their similarities and differences?
Every day we come by and make different life decisions, just like the protagonists in the
story namely, Mr. Hundert and Sedgewick Bell. Mr. Hundert made a very important
decision of giving away Blythes rightful place in the contest of the Emperors Club to
Bell, because he was too convinced of Bells changes. Sedgewick resorted to cheating in
the Emperors Club contest, and repeated it again, for recognition.
We are bombarded with a labyrinth of moral decision making. I, too have encountered
different instances wherein I need to make important decisions in my life. One of the
most imperative choices that I have pondered and decided upon was whether to agree
or disagree to the annulment per se of my parents.
I weighed down different opportunities and threats of my potential decision. If I was
going to say YES, I gave my mother the freedom of pain from my polygamous father.
However, I thought of my little brother and sister, who would still need a whole family.
It may be emotionally and psychologically broken, but having it physically whole is still
important to my siblings whole being.
I was in awe at that moment. I am very much aware that my father will not change
anymore. Hell always be polygamous. I also know that my mother is very heartbroken
with daily mistress drama regimen. And I also discern the future to behold of my
siblings. I fear that my little brother would resort to immoral things if an annulment will
pursue. And so, I decided to say NO. I elaborated it to them why.
How is this related to the movie? Chances! I am like Mr. Hundert, I have given my
father multiple chances to put up to the things he missed, hearts he broke, and tears
have shed. I was still hoping before that my father could change his immoral behavior.
However, I was wrong. I was wrong a lot of times. And for that I was hurt. I was
broken a million times over and over again.
I never gave up before that he could change, but I too get tired. I too get hurt. I too
want peace. I too want the happiness I deserve. Because I love my siblings very much,
I have sacrificed my whole being and happiness for their sake. And it is okay.
Im okay.

4. The resolution of the film teaches a lesson. How can you apply the lesson in the film in
your own life?

But the worth of a life is not determined by a single failure or a solitary success. My
other students taught me that.
A mans character is his fate.
Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, drunkenness sobered,
but stupid lasts forever.
Live your life with virtues.
Some of the quotes stated above are just a few of the eye-catching words heard in the
movie. But how? How can I apply this to reality? How can I apply this to my life? First,
my character is my fate. I myself have the freedom to choose what principles, values,
and norms that Im going to adapt. Thus, its like karma. Do unto others what you want
others to do unto you. I would remember that every bad deed I would do, would return
to me eventually.
Second, determination of a worth is not measured by a failure or success. Whatever
struggles and shortcomings I would come across, I would instill to my mind that God will
always be right here by my side. Thus, even if I fall, He would lift me up. I shall not
make my failure downgrade myself. However, I shall uphold myself and earn the
success I once dream.
Third, I will live my life with virtues. I may not be able to promise that I will not be
resorting to any kind of vices, but I could swear that I will uphold my virtues right. I
shall remember that virtues will always come first in decision making.

I wont be judged about any failure.

I wont be acknowledged about success.
My worth is whole being,
Dont tell me differently.