Review of The Class (2008) by Michael O — 06 May 2009

A very unique picture about the most important stage of forming our society and its fundamental flaws. It doesn't bother with leaving the inside of the walls or over-dramatizing any conflicts at home be it from the perspective of the teachers or the students. Instead we observe each day and each moment and are allowed, if we are receptive to it, to see the neglect, the flaws, and the uselessness of modern education.

Teachers are not holy crusaders out to change the world. They can have compassion and its part of the job to want to help but in the end its a job. When Wey, a young student can face potential deportation, okay, horrible, a few comments, then celebrate "real life" where a teacher is pregnant and deciding on names. There are social, racial, economic, and psychological differences and there is only so much a teacher can do when her job is simply the salary she receives at the end of the month.

They try point systems that are riddled with holes, they try disciplinary actions that are a relief to the student (better than sitting through class), they try everything to buy a false sense of order and weed out the problem without any real intent on rehabilitation. There is no humanity in the school system. Why else does this leak out and translate into the adult world? This is a bleak film without stylization... it's simply real life.

The consequences of Francois the teacher and his actions at the end are startling but completely understandable. It's the shocking things we do and comprehend that are the most unsettling sometimes. His character is key to why the film is so great because it's his admittance to his cultural misunderstandings, his false sense of compassion, his guilt, and his apathy that portrays the truth behind the problems in our classrooms. The class is going to be difficult because the world outside is difficult and the schools are NOT trying hard enough. Enforcing the same rules over and over are not trying enough. Francois champions a girl having read Plato's The Republic while continuing to work in a system that doesn't bother to question itself.

It's all bullshit. However, this film is a sign that there are people who want to expose this and make a change. It's a move forward.

This is film is filled with moments that comprise a really original examination of the root of societal dysfunction and its also an intriguing and emotional cinematic experience.