A Cry in the Wild Movie Guide | Questions | Worksheet (PG - 1990) [Hatchet]

A Cry in the Wild Movie Guide | Questions | Worksheet (PG – 1990) [Hatchet] is based on the famous Newbery Honor winning book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen in 1986. Challenge students to analyze Brian’s experience and evaluate his behavior and the lessons he learned. Connect Brian’s experiences and choices to what your students would’ve have done in his position. Explore the literary tool of flashbacks and discuss what value they bring to the story.

This resource is meant to supplement the viewing of the film on IMDb. See the Parents Guide for content details.

Cry In The Wild Movie Guide for the Classroom | Quick Facts

Movie Plot (for teachers)

Based on a true kidnapping, Jan Brunvand must navigate survival choices under duress—useful for ethics, decision‑trees, and media literacy on true‑crime adaptation.

Teacher Guidance

1. Preview the next question before resuming playback.
2. Use pause points for cite‑and‑explain responses.
3. Encourage collaboration but discourage copy‑pasting; rewind key scenes to model close viewing.

What’s Included

• Student movie guide (PDF print, 4 pages)
• Google Slides version (make-a-copy link)
• Answer Key (4 pages)
• CCSS alignment one-pager (PDF, 1 page)
• CCSS note: Students apply reading‑comprehension skills to film (evidence, analysis, inference).

This independent educational resource is not affiliated with or endorsed by the film’s producers or distributors. Teachers are responsible for previewing content to ensure suitability for their students.