Spellbound

Spellbound is the true story of the National Spelling Bee that took place in Washington, DC, in 1999. We get to follow eight kids who won their regional spelling bees and who now must compete at the highest level. The children are from a variety of backgrounds. This film gives us an inside look into the different ways they prepare for the spelling bee and handle the stress of competition.

“A documentary is different from other films because it has everybody playing themselves and it really happened. I think the filmmaker made this movie to tell people to never give up and to try hard.”
— Gary W., age 10

“I like Neil’s story the best because I thought it was great that he was an excellent speller, a great athlete, and has almost a black belt in karate.”
— Stephanie F., age 11

“I liked Spellbound, but at some parts it got boring. I learned a lot about how children prepare for the spelling bee. I wonder, don’t the kids get tired of studying? Don’t they miss hanging out with their friends?”
— Christina C., age 10

“I liked the movie the whole way through. I think the filmmakers made this film because even if you don’t win, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t good.”
— Charlie B., age 10

“I like Ted’s story the best because he showed me that I am not the only one who’s different.”
— Danielle S., age 11

To do before the movie:

Go to www.spellingbee.com to read about the National Spelling Bee. (Click on FAQs to learn where the name “spelling bee” came from.)

To do after the movie:

Have a spelling bee with your family. The winner gets to have their favorite food for dinner (Idea from Stephanie F., age 11).

Talk about why you think people enjoy spelling bees. Were you surprised that all these kids were willing to put so much effort into it?

Reviewed by the fifth grade class of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in Cheltenham, PA.

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