The Class – Entres les murs 2008
- Director: Laurebt Cantet
- Based on the book by Francois Bégaudeau
- Cast: Francois Bégaudeaud and many brilliant amatuers playing themselves
- Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
- None of them
- Why? The subject and the awards
- Seen: 6 July 2024
Not quite a
documentary, more a re-enacting of Bégaudeau’s book about his time as a
French teacher of an eighth grade class in a Parisian suburb. Most of the kids
are immigrants or second generation. They’re cheeky, mouthy, funny, resentful,
smart. Francois is not a very good teacher, and he’s is very courageous to show
this so sincerely and honestly. He’s not afraid to show that he is wrong and
makes serious mistakes.
The insight into the French school system
is dismaying. Punishment, not praise or encouragement. Saying ’tu’ instead of
’vous’ is a serious infraction (a ridiculous notion to us teachers in Sweden).
Respect, lack of respect, meaningless French grammar, struggling to get the
kids to express themselves in writing.
It’s not an easy film to watch, but it’s worth the awards.
4 * of 5
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