The Best Bad Thing (VHS)

Loc: (G1)

The Best Bad Thing (VHS)

Life isn't always what it seems, but spending the summer at "crazy" Mrs. Hata's cucumber farm definitely sounds like a bad thing to 12-year-old Rinko...

• Rated: Not Rated
• Number of tapes: 1
• Run Time: 89 minutes
• Format: Color
• Languages: English
• Subtitles: English

Life isn’t always what it seems, but spending the summer at “crazy” Mrs. Hata’s cucumber fam definitely sounds like a bad thing to 12-year-old Rinko. Suddenly, she sees her carefree summer of adventure and freedom slipping away. But the Hata family needs help and Rinko’s parents consider her to be the perfect solution. Helping the Hatas during a time of crisis is more than just a growing experience for Rinko, she discovers that Mrs. Hata’s Japanesse ways aren’t so crazy after all. She also learns that while the heat of prejudice in America’s melting pot can get pretty intense, the warmth of pulling together can be even more powerful.

Parent’s Guide

For Family Discussion

1. At first, Rinko complains about spending her summer with “crazy” Mrs. Hata. Why did she think it would be such a bad thing? Why was it not so bad?
2. What things have happened to you that seemed bad but turned out to be good?
3. Helping Mrs. Hata made Rinko feel wonderful. How do you feel after you helped someone?
4. Why was Mr. Yamanaka’s decision to help the Hatas so courageous?
5. Rinko learned to appreciate her cultural heritage. What do you think your ancestors were like?

1997 Cinar Productions Inc.