Entre les murs (The Class) - Movie Review and Synopsis

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Category: Movies. Tags: Drama, François Bégaudeau, Laurent Cantet, Sony Pictures Classics.

Entre les murs François and his fellow teachers prepare for a new year at a high school in a tough neighborhood. Armed with the best intentions, they brace themselves to not let discouragement stop them from trying to give the best education to their students. Cultures and attitudes often clash in the classroom, a microcosm of contemporary France. As amusing and inspiring as the teenaged students can be, their difficult behavior can still jeopardize any teacher’s enthusiasm for the low-paying job. François insists on an atmosphere of respect and diligence. Neither stuffy nor severe, his extravagant frankness often takes the students by surprise. But his classroom ethics are put to the test when his students begin to challenge his methods…

Last time we heard from writer-director Laurent Cantet, his Heading South was steaming up bifocals in older-generation hotspots across the country. Now he’s back in some sort of Michael Apted mode with a quasi-documentary that won the Golden Palm at Cannes earlier this year. That victory, of course, lends itself to polarized reviews from the most insightful critics around.

Rated PG-13 for language.

Director: Laurent Cantet
Stars: François Bégaudeau
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Release Date: 24 September 2008 (France)