Watch Spellbound

Spellbound is an engaging and inspiring documentary film that focuses on eight young students from different backgrounds striving to win the National Spelling Bee competition in the United States. Directed by Jeffrey Blitz, the film takes the viewers on a journey through the lives of these exceptional children who are passionate about spelling and who have devoted countless hours to studying words, their origins, and meanings.

The film begins by introducing each of the eight finalists: Angela, Ashley, Harry, Emily, Neil, Ted, Nupur, and April. We learn about their families, their social environments, and the strategies they use to prepare for the competition. Some of them have innate talents for spelling, while others have developed their skills through hard work and perseverance.

One of the standout characters is Angela, a Mexican-American girl from a poor family living in Texas. She is a natural speller, but her mother is illiterate and cannot help her with her studies. Angela's father, Ubaldo, is a skilled amateur speller who has taught himself the English language and often coaches his daughter. Despite the financial difficulties and other challenges they face, Angela and Ubaldo share a close and loving relationship.

Another memorable character is Neil, a boy from a wealthy Indian-American family who lives in California. Neil is a highly driven and competitive student who has won numerous spelling bees before, but he feels immense pressure from his parents to succeed. His mother, in particular, is highly critical and demanding, and Neil struggles to balance his love of spelling with his desire to please her.

As the film progresses, we see the students preparing for the National Spelling Bee in various ways. Some attend spelling camps or work with coaches, while others study on their own or with family members. We witness their triumphs and setbacks, including moments of self-doubt and anxiety, as well as moments of joy and camaraderie.

The National Spelling Bee takes place in Washington D.C., and the film captures the excitement and drama of the competition. The students compete against each other and against their own nerves and fatigue, as they try to spell increasingly difficult words. The tension is palpable as we watch each of them approach the microphone, take a deep breath, and begin to spell.

Despite the intense competition, the film emphasizes the students' mutual respect and admiration for each other. They cheer each other on and commiserate when someone misspells a word. The film also highlights the role of the judges, who are often challenged to provide definitions, pronunciations, and other support to the spellers.

Throughout the film, the students' families are also featured prominently. We witness the sacrifices and dedication of the parents, who often take time off work and spend considerable resources to support their children's dreams. We also see the impact of the competition on the families, as they grapple with disappointment, pride, and other emotions.

Overall, Spellbound is a heartwarming and informative film that showcases the incredible talent and dedication of young spellers. It also provides insights into issues of class, race, and identity in America, as well as the pressures placed on children to succeed. The film is a testament to the power of education and the human spirit, and it will inspire audiences of all ages.

Spellbound is a 2002 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 80.