Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Rationale of the Resource Pack
The resource pack is designed for senior 5 or 6 EMI students with a good grasp
of English. In order to cater for the diversity of students in classroom, another simpler
set of questions is set for students of lower ability. The students will view the whole
movie in two lessons. The design involves students’ active viewing and target to
develop their critical thinking skills and creativity. A series of pre, while and post
viewing activities are included.
Using films makes the English class more visually oriented. Furthermore, films
expose students to real life English and enhance their interest and motivation. By
watching movies that contain important themes, students might gain insight into their
society and culture or be aware of current issues. Films can bring ideas into focus for
students as they analyze, discuss, and write about what they watch. Films provide a
different way for students to learn. By active viewing, students can easily determine
the themes and morals values expressed in a film.
The movie Red Corner provides perspectives on politics and the legal system in
China. The film challenges students think critically about the content of the film and
to help students to understand the legal system in China and to make connections
between 1997 (movie published) and in contemporary China. As the students watch
the film, they should focus on themes related to justice and concepts related to how
justice is uphold. They will quickly discover that the film includes ideas about
conspiracy, corruption, power and politics.
Synopsis
( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119994/ )
Red Corner (1997) by Jon Avnet
This resource pack focuses on the film in English, Red Corner, by Jon Avnet. It
is a 1997 production and it has been banned on the Mainland. The film focuses on
how one man (Jack Moore) and his female advocate (Bai Ling) fight against the legal
system of China to prove the man’s innocence. Jack Moore is accused for murdering a
model and stand trial in China. Facing their corrupt and unfair system, the
protagonists’ determination proves that each person can make a difference and help
change the world for the better. In the end, they are able to prove Jack’s innocence.
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Lesson procedures of the viewing of Red Corner (1997) Jon Avnet
Target Students: EMI S5 /S.6 (good grasp of English)
Weaker students (a set of simpler worksheet)
Procedures:
The students will view the whole movie in two lessons. After viewing the movie,
students are engaged in different activities which involve the speaking, writing shills
of the students. They have to write a newspaper article or letter of complaint and
present their discussion the class.
Lesson 1 (First viewing) (double lessons)
1. Previewing
 Teacher will discuss the poster of the movie with the students.
 Teacher plays the trailer and students have to fill out the previewing worksheet
after watching the trailer.
2. While-viewing
During the while-viewing session, students are engaged in pair work and then
group work.
Pair work:
Students have to pair up to work on either worksheet 1 or 2. The worksheets
focus on character analysis. Students have to analyse Jack Moore (worksheet 1)
or Shen yuelin (worksheet 2).
Group work (students are divided into 3 groups)
Each group is given a set of questions (worksheet 1-3) to focus on while viewing the
movie. Students have to discuss and complete the given worksheet.
*For the less capable students they are given another set of worksheet with less
discussion, mainly focus on understanding of the movie.
After first viewing, the students discuss part of the questions that covers in the first
viewing and continue in the next viewing session.
*** To practice High Order thinking skills
Students will list all the point they have on the blackboard. Teacher will classify the
points into different categories ( factual or opinions) and help the students to think
more critically and more capable of organize their thoughts and opinions.
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Lesson 2 (Second viewing) (double lessons)
1. Complete while-viewing worksheets.
Students will finish viewing the movie. Students finish discussion and complete
the while-viewing worksheet.
2. Post-viewing activity
Teacher divides students into 2 groups. Each group is given a set of post-viewing
discussion questions. They have to follow the guided questions and discuss. After
discussion, follows by the presentation of their discussion to the class.
***Procedures same as after lesson 1
*** To practice High Order thinking skills
Students will list all the point they have on the blackboard. Teacher will classify
the points into different categories ( factual or opinions) and help the students to
think more critically and more capable of organize their thoughts and opinions.
 At this point, teacher can ask students to make prediction or take sides or
roles to present their ideas.
 If you were Jack / Yuelin / Lin dan…
 If Lin dan had to take the stand, …
 If General Hong had not shoot Lin din, …
3. Extended activities:

Students have to carry on with an extended activity either “Write a
newspaper article to report on the case of Jack Moore using the template
provided.”
Or

Write a complaint letter to head of legal department to complain about Jack
Moore’s experiences in China.
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Red Corner (1997) Jon Avnet
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1259380480/tt0119994
The set of activities are designed for senior 5 or 6 EMI students.
Previewing Activity
Look at the poster and try to write down what you think the movie is
about?
Guiding Questions:
What is the title of the movie? Do you know the actor in the poster? Why
do you think he is running? Who is he running from? Is he a good or bad
guy?
Watch the trailer. http://www.alltrailers.net/red-corner.html Predict and
discuss what you can see in the movie.
What is the genre of the movie? Circle the correct answers.
crime
romance
comedy
thriller
musical
drama
horror
biography adventure fantasy
animation mystery
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
While viewing Activity
Worksheet 1
Work in pair. What do you know about Jack Moore?
Action / behavior
Physical torture
Jack
Moore
Thoughts and
feelings
Non-physical
torture
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
While viewing Activity
Worksheet 2
Work in pair. What do you know about Shen Yuelin?
Character
Action / behavior
Shen
Yuelin
Thoughts and
feelings
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
While viewing Activity
Worksheet 3
Group Discussion:
Divide the class into 3 groups. Each group of students has to focus on
the given set of questions.
Set one
F Focus on court scenes:
There are four court scenes. Focus on the development of the case.
First Trial:
1.
2.
Jack Moore is brought to court.
Why the director chooses to shoot Jack from above?
3.
4.
5.
6.
What happen at the first trial?
Do you think Jack like his advocate, Shen yuelin? Why or why not?
Do you think Shen yuelin believe that Jack is innocent?
What does she pledge for Jack Moore?
Third trial:
1. What does the doctor comment on the smell on Jack’s shirt?
2. On what ground does Shen yuelin get the ‘change of pledge for’
Jack?
Jack Moore at court
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
While viewing Activity
Worksheet 4
Set two
Focus on court scenes:
There are four court scenes. Focus on the development of the case
Second Trial:
1. What are the procedures of the hearing?
2. Is the witness’ evidence in favour of Jack Moore?
3.
4.
5.
6.
What right does Jack raise during the hearing?
Why do you think that right is rarely exercised?
What questions does Jack ask the witness?
What is the attitude of the people at the court during the hearing?
7. How does it show the procurators are not interested in the hearing?
Fourth / final trial:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Why the director shoots the presiding chairman from above at the
beginning of the scene?
Why advocate Yuelin does not present at court when Minister Huan
Minglu is on the the witness’ stand?
Where is Jack’s advocate? lawyer?
What is the new evidence? Is that crucial?
Who is the new witness summoning to the stand? Why?
Whose number is 5147857?
What is the relationship of the phone number’s owner and the
witness?
Lin Dan, his father and the American counselor listen to the hearing.
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
While viewing Activity
Worksheet 5
Set three
1.
How does Yuelin collect evidence to fight for Jack’s innocence?
2.
Why does Jack Moore get probation to leave the detention centre?

Going back to the different scenes, venue of the fashion show, hotel
room, what is the purpose?
3.
Where do they go and what new evidence do they collect for the
case?
Jack Moore and Yuelin at the hotel room
After first viewing in lesson one, students have to complete worksheets
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
and carry out discussion.
*** To practice High Order thinking skills
Students will list all the point they have on the blackboard. Teacher will
classify the points into different categories ( factual or opinions) and
help the students to think more critically and more capable of organize
their thoughts and opinions.
Then move on the second viewing and focus the following guidelines to
finish the post-viewing tasks:
***Procedures same as after lesson 1
*** To practice High Order thinking skills
Students will list all the point they have on the blackboard. Teacher will classify
the points into different categories ( factual or opinions) and help the students to
think more critically and more capable of organize their thoughts and opinions.
 At this point, teacher can ask students to make prediction or take sides or
roles to present their ideas.
 If you were Jack / Yuelin / Lin dan…
 If Lin dan had to take the stand, …
 If General Hong had not shoot Lin din, …
10
Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Post-viewing Activity
Each group of students gets a worksheet and discusses the set of
questions.
Worksheet 1
Discuss
From what you see in the movie, how do you comment on the legal
system of China and politics between the America and China?
 Do you think the American government has done enough to help
Jack Moore?
 Why can’t the American government / embassy do more to help?
 When Jack is discharged from court, Ed Pratt, the senior councilor
for the embassy approaches him and hugs him said,
“We were always there behind the scene.”

What do you think of this quote?
Do you think the movie is filmed in China?
Worksheet 2
Discuss
What is more terrifying, to be physical torture or the non-physical
torture?

Physical torture such as brutally beaten while in custody.

Non-physical torture is he’s aurally hit by the confusing barrage of
Chinese and English dialect, force viewing of criminals being
executed…
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Worksheet 3
Discuss

What is feeling for Shen Yuelin in the case of Jack Moore?

Discuss her attitudes changes and character development as the
movie goes on?
Extending Writing Activity (Homework)
Worksheet 1
1. Use the following template to write a newspaper article reporting the
case of Jack Moore in the People of the Republic of China.
Template retrieves on 23-05-2009 from
http://www.ambassadortickets.com/uploads/media/44/306.pdf
The following parts have to be included in the article in the designated
areas:
 Title of the newspaper
 Day and date
 Headline
 Content
 Photos with a caption
2. Present the poster to the class.
OR
Worksheet 2
Write a formal letter to launch a complaint to the head of the legal
department.
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Sample letter:
Dear Sir or Madam (or name)
Heading with relevant reference numbers
State facts of situation, including dates, names, reference numbers, but keep
this very concise and brief (append details, history, photocopies if applicable,
for example if the situation is very complex and has a long history).
State your suggested solution. If the situation and solution is complex, state
also that you'll be as flexible as you can to come to an agreed way forward.
(Optional, and normally worth including) state positive things about your
experience with the maltreatment concerned, for example: that you've no wish
to go elsewhere and hope that a solution can be found; compliment any of their
people who have given good service; compliment their products and say that
normally you are very happy with things.
State that you look forward to hearing from them soon and that you appreciate
their help.
Yours faithfully (if not sent to a named person) or sincerely (if sent to a named
person)
Your signature
Your printed name (and title/position if applicable)
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Template of the newspaper article:
http://www.ambassadortickets.com/uploads/media/44/306.pdf
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Simpler material for students with lower English ability.
Red Corner (1997)
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1259380480/tt0119994
Summary
Jack Moore is an American attorney (lawyer) having talks in Beijing about
founding the first satellite TV joint venture. He has a one night stand with a
Chinese woman he meets there, and she ends up dead and he is arrested, accused
of murder.
A young Chinese lawyer, Shen Yuelin and has to prove it was a
frame-up(set up) together and fight against the corrupt and unfair system.
Glossary
Attorney / lawyer / advocate / odour (smell) / chloroform / locket (wear on the
neck) / guilty / not guilty / self-defense / criminal law / embassy / courage /
liquor /rough up (bit up) / A man’s life is at stake / reasonable / unreasonable /
witness / framed / pay the price / pay off / fair / corrupt / legal system
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
Before viewing
Look at the poster. What do you think
the movie is about?
Look at the title? What is the genre of
romance / thriller / comedy / crime /
the movie?
drama / adventure / documentary
What do you expect to see in the
movie?
1st viewing
Setting of the movie
What is Jack Moore accused of?
Theft / murder / robbery
Where does Jack meet Hong Ling?
At a shop / fashion show / at a cinema
Do you think Jack has killed Hung
Ling?
What makes the court to accept his
It is because his advocate provides a
pledge change to “not guilty”?
___________ with the smell of ___________that
convince the presiding chairman.
2nd viewing
Why does Jack Moore study law?
Serve the rich people / to be in control
What musical instruments does Yuelin
Piano / pipa / violin / guitar
play?
What happen to the telephone record?
What happen to Jack on his way back
to prison? Where does he go after?
Does Moore return to the prison? Why
doesn’t he stay at the embassy?
If you were Moore, would you go back
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Jenny Ho
Teaching Materials on Red corner
Copyrights owned by the author
to Yuelin?
3rd viewing
What does Yuelin like about Jack?
Handsome / courage / wealth / talent
Why Yuelin talks to the General in
English not Putonghua?
“Why are you doing this? You are
risking her and her grandmother life
for helping Jack? Why would Yuelin
want (stand up for) to help Jack?
Who is Lin Dan?
Whose telephone number is that?
Why does the Hong Lin’s father shoot
Lin Dan?
After viewing activity:
Write a newspaper article using the same teaching material as in above.
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