thorenj This is a film concerning a fairly mundane topic - problems in a small-town school. Through masterful cinematography and storytelling, Bertrand Travernier constructs a fascinating and heartwarming film. The acting is excellent throughout despite some of the characters being played by people who are not professional actors. The leading roles are full multi-dimensional and fully engaging, The non-professionals are honest and convincing.The dvd commentary by Travernier is also worth a watch, as he points out many significant background details, and explains the interactions between the real town and townspeople, and the actors and movie production.This is not an american action film, but never leaves the viewer bored, and does not play on cheap emotions.

etai I wouldn't want to spoil the party so, yes, this film is an important look at the serious social problems inherent in France and the lack of ability and care of the authorities to do anything about it. Yes, it is hard hitting. Yes, the camera work is exceptionally beautiful and masterfully handled.But, I can't seem to get rid of the weird feeling I get when a (approx.) two hour film tries to condense so many problems into such a short time. The dialogue becomes self righteous and totally unbelievable. Also, the characters were unbelievable either. The main character is conveyed as an almost angelic do-gooder who can do no harm. His partner, as well, is dissappointing - it is just too obvious to take a georgous wild sculptress to help decorate the film. A friend suggested to me that the partner's one dimensional role suggests sexually discriminatory undertones.

sediwell Bertrand Tavernier continues to prove he is one of the master modern directors. Although he made his name with a series of stunning period dramas his recent dissections of the failure of modern French society have been equally brilliant and It All Starts Today is his greatest yet. This simple tale of a struggling school master in a depressed suburb to care for his young charges in the face on uncaring bureaucracy and emotionally destroyed parents is a heart rending masterpiece from start to finish. If any foreign language film deserved the Oscar this is it.

Baloe Social movie, situated in the depressing former mine-towns of northern France. A local school-principal tries to improve the self-esteem of the children and their parents, some of them even without electricity at home. His girlfriend, a sculptress, plans a big multi-racial school-party. Very realistic, but I regretted the fact that the director didn't take the opportunity to play with colors and images.