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?

Being fairly all-eating when it comes to films and literature I watched (the whole of) this movie without finding any point to it at all. Some teachers do a brilliant job - I agree. That kids are different from each other - absolutely. But finding anything particular about this teacher and these kids that should make it worthwhile to spend 90+ minutes watching it - sorry.I could really only find one scene in the whole movie that gave me anything at all.So my main point is that with so many good and brilliant films (and books) out there you could spend the time far better than watching this documentary.

I was a bit puzzled as I began to watch this documentary - so many documentaries are of the "in your face" variety, and state their point of view early on; this film allows its them to unfold throughout, one bit at a time. For some reason I want to say that it was lovingly done - the director's approach was soft and familial, and the viewer comes to know and understand the life of this teacher, and his quiet passion for preparing children to enter the world.When I was at my university studying to be a teacher, the entire college of education was brought together to view "To Sir, With Love"; it was inspiring and filled us with enthusiasm for our future profession. As wonderful as "To Sir, With Love" is, I think that viewing this film is just as important for future educators. Sure, our circumstances are very different here, but our approach to children, and to life, can be the same in an American metropolis as it is in rural France. Definitely worth watching!

10 stars may be a bit extreme, but I think it's better than some of the higher rating documentaries I've seen. I don't have kids of my own, so I can't relate totally, but this film gave me a new respect for teachers of youngsters. The teacher is incredibly patient and good to his pupils. I usually like action films or dramas, and I hesitated to watch a film like this. But even just the parts with kids just being themselves and saying some intriguing things makes me want to see it again. Even better than "America's Funniest Home Videos". This film captures kids and what they say at a very young age, during school. It perfectly balances the weight of seriousness versus hilariousness.