Hope Springs

After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.

During counseling Arnold says there are some things you don’t say in a relationship because you can never take them back. Do you agree with him? What kind of things might be said during an argument that are more harmful than helpful? Is it being dishonest not to vent every feeling you have? Or is there a need for censoring yourself, even in a marriage?

Why can it be easy to fall into routines in a relationship? How difficult is it to break out of them? Does a marriage require frequent attention to keep it strong even after (or maybe because of) so much time together? What kinds of activities enhance your marriage?

How is this couple’s emotional distance portrayed physically on screen? Do you think one partner makes more sacrifices than the other to revive the marriage? Should Kay be willing to perform actions that make her feel so uncomfortable? Why does Arnold’s monetary expenditures show his love?

The film leaves many issues unresolved. Do you have hope that this couple will work it out or is this just a temporary improvement?