DICK STEEL The thing that caught my eye to picking up this documentary DVD from the library was a cute kid with dirty hands soiled by paint, and the plenty of high flying accolades bestowed on the film by reputable critics and publications. Naturally my interest was piqued, but after watching this Nicholas Philibert directed documentary, while it had its charming moments, it doesn't warrant, in my opinion, some of the praises that it had garnered.George Lopez is a teacher in a small town, and has to handle the challenge of educating his students, ranging from 3 years of age, to 11. Being a small town, naturally resources are limited, and he has not only to cater his methods to teach his students of different capabilities, but also to tackle a myriad of subjects, ranging from art, to mathematics, to language too. Talk about multi-tasking, and extreme dedication to the job (most I guess would have bolted given the workload, and responsibility), he doesn't find the need to raise his voice at those who misbehave, choosing instead to reason with them like adults, using his soft voice to win the most hardened of hearts.But the stars of the documentary are the children. Philibert had revealed in an interview (included in the DVD as an extra) that he had deliberately chosen this particular school, for its logistics in supporting a film crew on site, but more importantly, for the size of the class of students, nothing too large that each becomes a passing face, but something manageable so that they can come across vividly. And having chosen this particular class of 12, and their teacher with his more than positive approach and attitude, are what made this documentary tick.The children are as adorable as they are in need of some serious education. Early in the documentary we see them struggling with mathematics (OK, so they are the 3-4 year olds), but in one truly memorable scene was when one of them brought back his homework, and had to unwittingly enlist the help of parents and relatives to help him solve the problem. But alas, to my dismay, I later found it to be fabricated, which sort of spoilt my overall feeling toward this documentary - thou shalt not meddle with thy subjects.However, what I thought was unique in Philibert's approach to documentary making, was the conscious decision to minimize the number of talking heads. There isn't any, not until the one hour mark, where George Lopez had to give a short history of himself and his underlying motivation to teaching, but other than that, it's almost like a fictional narrative in the way the subject of education is being handled.Not one with big sets nor wanting to incorporate controversial elements, To Be and To Have is stoically quiet, and touching in the moments where teacher and students connect, especially when one is trusted enough to be a confidante, and dispensing good advice and words of encouragement to children under his charge. For those scenes I credit George Lopez for his relentless work in providing a firm grounding and good work attitude to the students under him. But alas, any notions I had on the film's honesty were somehow tainted by Philibert's revelation. Still not a bad movie, despite it being slow (to mirror the long, arduous journey one goes through to receive a decent education), but one which could have been a lot more sincere in putting forth the material.

keoldham 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!

Maria Bernardy (bernardyisa) This sensitive chronicle of a year in a one-room classroom shows us a teacher who is humane, infinitely patient, and totally devoted to his children. His enlightened philosophy and love are clearly evident as he prepares his (often charming, sometimes troubled) children to be adults. He knows many things about his students that nowadays only the rarest of teachers would know.The film shows us gorgeous shots of pastoral serenity, but most of all, it took me back to the childhood that I would have wished to have had (but of course did not have). I wish that Georges Lopez had been my teacher. I would have learned French just to have been allowed to have had him as my own teacher (even now!). Monsieur Lopez is an irresistible teacher! This documentary film has humour and beauty; it shows us spiritual pain, problem-solving, and deep emotional growth. I found Être et Avoir deeply satisfying film, both aesthetically and pedagogically. Even though I was already a teacher, I learned a great deal about how a truly great teacher educates students. I was humbled to see the fruits of enormous patience and wisdom.

paloma54 Although this is a largely plot less documentary, it is more dramatic and touching than most filmed dramas these days. In addition to charming, actual real human lives, the movie gives us magnificently filmed views of the Auvergne and its countryside in different seasons, and a most sensitive original musical score, which succeeds not only because it is appropriate to the subject matter (a cinematic novelty THESE days), but also because it serves as punctuation only, not as a constant backdrop of emotional distraction.This is a portrait of a wonderful school teacher in his professional capacity, demonstrating his positive impact on a variety of different children and their parents. The word "professional" is key here, this is not a personal portrait of him or of his life, but on his method of interaction with the students. I was very impressed by his encouraging, respectful, and quietly affectionate manner with the school children; giving them gentle prods towards the next little accomplishment level of each one's individual development. He never raises his voice, but establishes an atmosphere of dignity and mutual respect in the classroom. I also was very moved by the way in which these children are being reinforced by attention at home.Special note: if you ever have wanted to be a an observing fly on the wall in your children's schoolroom, this is YOUR movie! It probably goes without saying, but nevertheless, I will add that the children are absolutely adorable!