Mandy & Lester
March 31, 2008
By Kathy McManus
Comments (4)
Responsibility sometimes presents itself in small packages with big challenges.
In Mandy & Lester, two charming, quirky kids lead the way in showing us what real responsibility is about.
No excuses. No hesitation. No giving up.
For Mandy and Lester, the road to responsibility is lined with the kind of obstacles and hurdles that would trip up many adults. But these two beguiling underdogs keep their eyes on the prize, even when adversity keeps nipping at their heels.
Lock up your heart.
They’ll steal it.
And break it.
And then ultimately renew your faith in humanity. Because doing the right thing can be its own sweet reward.
Mandy & Lester was directed by Lena Beug.
For a discussion guide with questions, please click here
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Mandy & Lester
A charming film, it’s nice to see children behaving. Brings to mind a kinder/gentler time. These responsibility films should be shown nationally, sometimes one just needs a little reminder. Thank you for sharing this! Kim In Texas
Kim Franklin | 1 year, 11 months ago
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Buttercream Gang
Reminiscent of the idea behind Buttercream Gang.
Dani O'Malley | 1 year, 11 months ago
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sweet
While reading the other blogs I find it sad that our views of our world are so pessimistic. The media saturates our lives with the evil done by others. They rarely show the good done by people.
True, our neighborhoods aren’t like the old days – centered around a small local community – but there are many good people that still do the right thing.
Someone asked why Lester did not ring the doorbell. I believe that he did not need the recognition for doing right to be satisfied with doing the right thing. His satisfaction came from knowing that He did the right thing and within his spirit and soul he had peace.
When we seek recognition for doing right, are really doing what is right or what will be rewarded? I love the video. I see real life characters in all those portrayed. Sad but true, many people do behave this way, bullying and selfish. Those bullies and brats are the products of neglectful or indulgent homes. Thus producing a fraction of our population that are selfish. Teaching good morals to our children now will determine their future and ours. Step up parents and teach your children honesty, loyalty, and integrity.
charla | 1 year, 6 months ago
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I show this film to my high school Ethics classes and the discussions that ensue are fascinating. Most of the kids don’t understand why such a big deal is made over a few dollars’ worth of cookies. But when some of the other students start talking about principle and integrity and point out that the dollar value of the cookies is irrelevant, they manage to change a few minds and get other kids to start thinking.
I am still in the minority when we take a class vote at the end of the film and I say that I would like to think I’d do the same as Lester. But I’m not looking to change my students’ minds on the spot. A seed has been planted and I’m OK with that.
Thank you, Ms. Beug and Liberty Mutual.
Keith in Brooklyn
Anonymous | 1 year, 1 month ago
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