Review of To Be and to Have (2002) by Jose C — 08 Dec 2003

Viewed 12/08/03 (Theatre) (First Viewing).

Ever since I saw the trailer for this French documentary a month or so ago I was quite sure I'd be taken by it; several minutes after the film started my suspicions proved correct. For 105 minutes I sat in the deserted theatre, beaming at the screen in front of me, basking in its warm glow. It was a glorious experience.

[b]Être et avoir[/b] documents a teacher and his class in rural France on the eve of his retirement. The children, which range from four to eleven, are divided into three groups, from the youngest just entering school to the older pupils studying to get into middle school. For over an hour we watch with fascination as these children interact with each other, learn to write letters with shaky hands, endlessly practice counting to seven, and color coloring sheets. Monsieur Lopez, their teacher, swoops in and out of these clusters of children, taking the time to listen or administer stern words when the situation warrants.

Of all the children, the rambunctious Jojo (Johan) steals the show. He has a hard time focusing and finishing his work, but his smile is totally and completely disarming. Lopez washing Jojo's ink-smeared fingers is one of the best moments in a film full of them.

Really a beautiful film in all respects. Sometimes a scene drags a tad too long and the scenery shots get monotonous at times, but overall I have no hesitation in calling it one of the best films of 2003. [b]Être et avoir[/b] est un film formidable!