The Learning Tree

The Learning Tree

Directed by Gordon Parks

Produced by Winger, Warner Bros.-Seven Arts

1969107 min6.7 / 10

A semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama set in 1920s Kansas that explores a Black teenager's forced passage into manhood through family conflict and social hardship.

The story, set in Kansas during the 1920's, covers less than a year in the life of a black teenager, and documents the veritable deluge of events which force him into sudden manhood. The family relationships and enmities, the fears, frustrations and ambitions of the black teenager in small-town America are explored with a strong statement about human values.

Questions people ask

  • Is The Learning Tree sad? Yes. More sad than 82% of films.

  • Is The Learning Tree scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 61% of films.

  • Is The Learning Tree easy watching? Somewhat. More comforting than 60% of films.

  • Does The Learning Tree end with hope? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

  • Is The Learning Tree violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

38/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

You have seen this shape before.

Rarity42

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise21

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love55

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like The Learning Tree

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as The Learning Tree

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like The Learning Tree, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like The Learning Tree, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like The Learning Tree, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

Share thisXBlueskyReddit