The Class (2008 film)

The Class (French: Entre les murs) is a 2008 French drama film directed by Laurent Cantet. It is based on the 2006 novel of the same name by François Bégaudeau, who also stars in the film as a version of himself, a French literature teacher in a Parisian middle school (collège).

The film depicts a school year in a diverse, challenging classroom. It focuses on the teacher's interactions with his students, grappling with their varying academic abilities, social backgrounds, and personalities. The narrative unfolds realistically, portraying the complexities of the educational system and the challenges faced by both teachers and students. The film showcases the diverse range of student behaviors and motivations, including instances of defiance, apathy, and genuine engagement with learning.

The teacher's methods and the film's approach generally aim to represent the realities of classroom dynamics, avoiding simplistic narratives and instead presenting a nuanced portrayal of the educational experience. The film received critical acclaim, winning the Palme d'Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. It is often praised for its observational style, its realistic portrayal of multicultural France, and its exploration of the challenges of education in a diverse society. The film's success helped to initiate discussions on educational policies and the realities facing teachers and students in urban settings.