TMNT 1990 - Splinter Lectures Raphael on his Anger

Masters Splinters wisdom

[MacJaxonManOfAction]

Doesn't tell him what to think, doesn't tell him what to do, just tells him he's here for him.
Because he's his father.

[NewVegasCarrier]

I really love how Splinter tells Raphael he's unique because he chooses to isolate and face his enemy alone. Not that it's good or bad thing, Raphael is just different. Splinter reminds him not to forget his family. How many fathers or authority figures have this type of conversation with their sons? How many people are calm, assertive, and use non-accusative language like Splinter? The 90s weren't so bad lol

[ninjacarm]

No shitty CGI, no bad music, just great puppetry and acting with inspiring family togetherness and teachings ....

[Armando]

“Anger clouds the mind. Turned inwards, it is an unconquerable enemy.” Tears start flowing every time.

[johnnyaguilar]

Discipline in fatherhood is a rare trait not many have.

[andrewmojzer]

This movie had so much heart, didn't it?

[Nic__]

“You will listen now!”

Those were the exact same words that came out of my mother’s mouth every time I did something wrong. Every lecture and every lesson she had given me, I’ll never forget them and I’ll never forget her. Rest well, mom, and thank you for trying to teach me to be better. 🙏

[fenrirskeane]

As someone who has been consumed by anger for my entire life, this is a particularly deep and powerful scene for a kids movie.

[hedgehoundable]

I think what makes this scene so great is the body language from both Raph and Splinter.

When Raphael sits down next to Splinter, at first, he won't look at him and he has his arms crossed while rubbing his forearm, which is a sign of insecurity and vulnerability. He's ashamed at his inability to control his emotions and he quite literally can't bring himself to face his master and father figure.

When Splinter is trying to convey advice that he learned from his own master, he turns Raphael's head toward him gently. He wants Raph to know that even though he stumbles, he doesn't see his son as a failure.

Then, when Splinter tells Raphael that anger will cloud your judgement, there's a small tilt of the head and Raph looks away again, like he's admitting that Splinter is right and is perhaps reaffirming his failure as a ninja.

Splinter then tells Raph that he is unique among his brothers. It's clearly something that hasn't been said before because it grabs Raphael's attention again. Even with his doubts about being a failure, he was just told that he's still special in a way and it brings him a little bit of hope.

Finally, the conversation closes with Splinter telling Raph that he may choose to deal with his problems alone, but that he should remember that he has family to help him when he needs it. This culminates with Splinter resting his hand upon Raph's tilted head and telling him "I am here, my son." Their relationship isn't just master and student. Splinter is his Dad first and foremost. He wants Raphael to know that being a student does not come before being his son, and even if he falters in his training as a pupil, he will always find comfort with his dad.

[icfwu]

No wonder Raphael went ballistic when splinter was captured 😔

[brianwalters]

Anyone can be a dad, but only a select few can be a father. Master Splinter is one of those few. What an amazing scene from an amazing movie.

[jvalles]

I was obsessed with this movie as a kid. I am now a 36 year old veteran that suffers from ptsd. And let me tell you that this scene gets me every time.

[Symphonia]

Splinter looks great even till this day, no amount of CG can replace him. Jim Henson Will always be remembered for his work like this. Who knew a puppet could create so much emotion

[PsychoticLuke]

This is why old-school Turtles are and always will be superior to the modern ones.

[HoodOrnament]

This scene hits SO hard. Even as a child, this spoke right to me.

[TY]

A single father raising 4 children. 👏👏

[Cloofinder]

This scene is so relatable in today's society. Theres so much hate, and anger in this world, and has blinded us all. We all need to learn from splinter.

[Cloud]

At 39 this still brings me to tears because I’m still that sick year old boy in awe of the genuine love splinter has for his sons. Even with the other iterations of the characters this on was the prime example of the wise loving father

[josepharrington]

this was the best version of splinter we ever got. i love every line of dialogue he has. everything he says is touching

[TayoEXE]

The interesting thing about Raph isn't that he's a hothead, but that it's evidence that he feels the most. He feels so strongly about things like his brothers and Splinter that he tries to keep it inside, so it bursts out all the time. This scene hits hard for me because similarly, I feel very strongly about many things and face a personal challenge that has plagued me for over half of my life. Most of the time, I spend most of the time beating myself up instead of remembering I have my family and even my wife here ready to help me face it too. Splinter's words are simple but profound to me.