Don't they salute the Flag, Pledge Allegiance or hold Assemblies in French schools? I did not see any reference to the World outside the rural part of France: is that any help to the next generation of French students trying to survive in a modern world?
By the age of 6 or so all of us at school were expected to be able to locate England and the main Dominions, Colonies and Commonwealth members. Maybe they cannot do tha in France for good reason?
I can see the point of this movie; it celebrates the joy of looking inward in a French way. Nothing wrong with that, I'm just saying. It's cute, amusing and diversionary but perhaps there is a temptation to deify this beyond its self referential framework?
A story of a rural Canadian, American or English school could be equally appealing: perhaps it's the effect of being a non English speaking / foreign language movie that moves it up through the ranks.
Do go and watch this - don't take my word for it. Tongues in cheek are in season at the moment. The teacher is sincerity personified and the story of his Spanish father's migration to France, his parents' financial sacrifices and the hidden sacrifices he has made in his life go to make this a story that is more interesting about the man than the children. Break out the sincerity popcorn folks and wallow in French arcadia for an hour or two; can't hurt can it?
By the age of 6 or so all of us at school were expected to be able to locate England and the main Dominions, Colonies and Commonwealth members. Maybe they cannot do tha in France for good reason?
I can see the point of this movie; it celebrates the joy of looking inward in a French way. Nothing wrong with that, I'm just saying. It's cute, amusing and diversionary but perhaps there is a temptation to deify this beyond its self referential framework?
A story of a rural Canadian, American or English school could be equally appealing: perhaps it's the effect of being a non English speaking / foreign language movie that moves it up through the ranks.
Do go and watch this - don't take my word for it. Tongues in cheek are in season at the moment. The teacher is sincerity personified and the story of his Spanish father's migration to France, his parents' financial sacrifices and the hidden sacrifices he has made in his life go to make this a story that is more interesting about the man than the children. Break out the sincerity popcorn folks and wallow in French arcadia for an hour or two; can't hurt can it?