Summary
Daniel Lefebvre is the head teacher of a small infants’ school in a socially deprived
area of Northern France. The local community has been hit hard by job losses after
the closure of mining works, and many families struggle to cope with a subsistence income.
In the face of budgetary restrictions, the local authorities do what they can to help
the worse off, but it is woefully inadequate. Daniel is incensed at the failure
of the social services and feels compelled to take charge in helping the families of the
children he teaches. It is hopeless battle but Daniel persists, even though he is
beset by his own family problems...
Review
The poor are always with us and in this film Bertrand Tavernier reminds us that, even
in this age of unrivalled prosperity, that unfortunate adage is still true. For
those coming from comfortable middle class backgrounds this film is an eye-opener and
injects a healthy dose of social awareness into our consciousness. Technological
and economic advances have improved the lives of many but, appallingly, there are a minority
who slip through the net and end up in a life without purpose, money or hope.
The film makes its point without lecturing or condemning its audience. It has a
documentary feel, lacking a clear narrative structure, with some frenetic photography
(from Tavernier’s use of a hand-held camera). Far from being off-putting,
this approach works remarkably well and the film is an absorbing work from start to finish.
The innocent little world which the schoolmaster Daniel creates for his children is contrasted
superbly with the grim mean world which adults create for them outside the school grounds.
Many of the children live in absolute squalor, and this is in stark contrast to the colourful,
comforting haven afforded by the classroom. It is ironic that whilst Daniel attempts
to preach his ideals to the outside world, others (his step-son, the school inspector
and others) should attempt to destroy the happy world he has created in his school.
Despite some harrowing and genuinely shocking moments, the film tackles its subject with
a naïve optimism. One point it makes repeatedly is that it is within the power
of individuals to make a difference. The majority will be too apathetic or too caught
up with rules and regulations to bother, but a few Daniel Lefebvres can brings some sunshine
where darkness reigns. And one of these Daniel Lefebvres might be you.
© James Travers 2000
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