By Laurent Cantet. France. 2008. 128 mins. With François Bégaudeau. Awards : Winner of the 2008 Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or - Opening Night Selection: 2008 New York Film Festival - France's official submission for the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Based on his published autobiography, and starring all non-actors, in THE CLASS François Begaudeau and his fellow teachers prepare for a new school year at a high school in inner-city Paris. 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 on respect and diligence. Neither stuffy nor severe, his extravagant frankness often takes the students by surprise. But his classroom ethics are put to test when his students begin to challenge his methods...
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