knapprobert Review of To Be and to Have

To Be and to Have (2002)

A jewel (something iridescent like a pearl) shines through this film.

[9/10 · 6 February 2007]

Yes, it's in French. Yes, the title is "enigmatic." And, yes, you will have to read subtitles if you're French-challenged. But this film will show you what "to educate" means (from the Latin educo -- to draw forth, i.e., to lead out of). The teacher in this rural French one-room school has a dozen or more students from ages 5 to 11, and to all (pupils and parents) his demeanor is one of "how can we find common ground", "how can we live together harmoniously" and "how can we foster development?" This is a great movie, a marvelous documentary filled with private moments and a way of life that is hidden demurely away, even from the French. There are touching moments where students must face difficult life problems and somehow in French seems to be the most lovingly gentle way to approach them; we almost feel like a voyeur in these scenes (thank you, France, for that word). If you are at all moved by the process of childhood development, of what it means to be a source of truth in people's lives, and what is it a teacher really can do, then watch this film (maybe several times). If you're tired of movies with intricate plots, sirens and helicopters, this is the film for you!