"The Class"

The other night I was on my own and I started browsing the movies available on demand on TV. I stumbled across a surprising little gem, a subtitled French film called "Entre Les Murs" ("The Class") about a young teacher in a large comprehensive school in Paris. It is semi-autobiographical, written by Francois Begaudeau, who plays the lead role. Check out the link:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1068646/

The reason I enjoyed the film so much is its honest portrayal of teachers and students. It was weirdly comforting to see situations in a classroom in another country that were so familiar! Unlike the "inspiring" films about teaching like "Dangerous Minds", "Take the Lead" and "The Dead Poet's Society", there are no magic wands here. I always finish watching those films on a high, feeling that if I could just find the key, I could transform even the most cynical student into one who will soak up knowledge like a sponge, and start thinking independently. It takes only a day or two back at school to remember that this is not likely.

What comes across strongly in "The Class" is the teachers' passion for learning, along with their all-too-human failings. The apathy of many of the students is real and saddening, as are the glimpses into their personal circumstances, that go some way to explaining their attitudes. At the same time there are endearing moments when the divide between teacher and student is bridged. Some of the kids are genuinely funny too, and very smart. Very humbling, and that is something every teacher out there has experienced.