Entre les murs (The Class)

I finally managed to watch this film! Before I got my head around to write a review, I discovered some people have already said the things I wanted to say and more. So, I will just keep this post short and anyone who wants an excellent review of the film should go here. It is a review by Peter Bradshaw, who gave this film a well deserved 5 star rating.

This is my spoiler-free reviewthought diarrhoea after viewing:

- This film is very special because it almost does not look like a film at all. François was playing himself, and I’d imagine the students were playing themselves, that they must have faced some, if not all the problems mentioned. It is almost like a reality show.

- I was impressed, but it probably would have impressed me even more if I spoke French or had a decent understanding of the language.¹ It gives a perfect example of how certain words carry different meanings for people from different classes and backgrounds.

- Finally, excellent film! It is a page torn out of a sketch book, every scene is real, raw and neutral. I would definitely recommend this film to people who are up for something a bit more profound and unique.

Links: Official site, IMDB page

As a side note, now my favourite film in 2008 is Departures (reviewed here), closely followed by The Class². From what I have seen so far, foreign films did seem to have done very well in 2008. I’d love to have a favourite in the English language though, so I will keep watching.

1. The subtitle file I had was out of sync, it was distracting. [↩]
2. They are of about the same quality I’d say, but Departures has a more personal touch, which I appreciated. [↩]