Class, The (Entre les Murs)

UN FILM DE Laurent Cantet

A FILM BY Laurent Cantet

Most impressive, Cantet tracks the racial and ethnic resentments that simmer beneath the classroom discussions but become harder to quell when the parents get involved.

- J.R. Jones, Chicago Reader

The movie is bursting with life, energy, fears, frustrations and the quick laughter of a classroom hungry for relief.

- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

This is one of the screen's most rewarding explorations of the teacher/student relationship in any language. Every voice we hear makes sense; every opinion means something.

- Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

synopsis

Click on the PRESS tab (above, right) to download the study guide. Cannes Film Festival - Golden Palm Winner Francois 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 jeapordize any teacher's enthusiasm for the low-paying job. Francois 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...