Ah, those school days! Don’t they bring a breath of fresh air that calms the mind and puts a nostalgic smile on your face? It’s almost like Here’s How
the Night Changes plays inside your head. From bunking classes to waiting eagerly for our favourite teacher’s lessons, we’ve all grown up with moments that shaped us. Alongside those memories, we’ve also watched films with unforgettable reel teachers, mentors who felt more like real-life guides. And ahead of Teachers’ Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate a few of them. These mentors shape lives, inspire change, and remind us that learning can be magical when passion meets purpose. Let’s start with Matilda. This Roald Dahl classic gave us one of the most inspiring fictional teachers of all time - no brownie points for guessing! Yes, we are talking about Miss Honey. Against the backdrop of Matilda’s magical powers and Miss Trunchbull’s cruelty, Miss Honey’s kindness shines as a guiding light. She doesn’t just encourage Matilda’s brilliance; she gives her the safety and love every child deserves. The film is a gentle reminder that a compassionate teacher can transform a child’s life. Remember School of Rock? Jack Black’s Dewey Finn may not be your conventional teacher, but that’s exactly why kids love him. Armed with nothing but his passion for music and a rebellious spirit, he turns a group of shy prep school students into confident rockstars. Dewey shows them the importance of self-expression, teamwork, and chasing dreams - lessons no textbook could ever teach. Then there’s Hichki. Rani Mukerji’s Naina Mathur, who has Tourette syndrome, refuses to let her condition define her or her students. Taking charge of a class of underprivileged children dismissed as troublemakers, she nurtures their hidden talents with patience and resilience. Her story reminds us that true teaching is not about perfection, but empathy and belief. Dead Poets Society gave us Robin Williams’ unforgettable John Keating. At a conservative boys’ academy, he urges his students to “seize the day” and think beyond grades or rigid expectations. His unconventional methods ignite passion, individuality, and courage; leaving behind not just lessons but life-changing memories. The list would be incomplete without Taare Zameen Par. Aamir Khan’s Ram Shankar Nikumbh redefined what it means to be a teacher in Indian cinema. By recognising Ishaan’s dyslexia when no one else did, he gave the boy confidence and a sense of self-worth. The film is a beautiful proof to how sensitivity and understanding can unlock a child’s true potential. And then we have Freedom Writers. Hilary Swank’s Erin Gruwell takes on a class of at-risk students living in violence and neglect. She not only earns their trust but also introduces them to the power of writing, giving them a voice they never knew they had. These films remain timeless tributes to mentors who dare to break traditions, challenge norms, and give their students the courage to dream freely. Want to add more to this list? Feel free to reach out to us at @TimesNow!
