Etre Et Avoir
2002
At a rural school in the Auvergne region of France, teacher Georges Lopez presides over a class of thirteen children, ages 4 to 11. Lopez teaches the different age groups separate lessons, making rounds to ensure that each child understands the task at hand--whether it is coloring a picture, learning math, or making crepes. .. Read more
| Starring | George Lopez |
|---|---|
| Director | Nicholas Philibert |
| Genres | Documentary, World Cinema |
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Etre Et Avoir
At a rural school in the Auvergne region of France, teacher Georges Lopez presides over a class of thirteen children, ages 4 to 11. Lopez teaches the different age groups separate lessons, making rounds to ensure that each child understands the task at hand--whether it is coloring a picture, learning math, or making crepes. Problems do arise, though--one student is threatened with missing playtime if his work isn't finished, shoving matches must be mediated, and another student appears to have a significant problem communicating. Lopez, a 20-year teaching veteran on the verge of retirement, is a model of sensitivity and understanding in dealing with the children. Never raising his voice and never talking down to them, the trust and respect they have for him is as palpable as his affection for them. Director Nicholas Philibert's camera is a casual observer, choosing to capture, in an unfettered manner, Lopez's special way with the students--whether explaining to them that he will be retiring soon, or diffusing a long-running rivalry between two of the oldest boys. Inspiring, meditative, and delightful, TO BE AND TO HAVE is a bittersweet portrait of a man in the noblest of professions.
| Starring | George Lopez |
|---|---|
| Director | Nicholas Philibert |
| Studio | ARTIFICIAL EYE |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 40 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Documentary, World Cinema |
| Language | DVD: French |
| Subtitles | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 27 Oct 2003 Production year: 2002 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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Whether reflecting on his two decades in a tiny school in the rural Auvergne or preparing his penultimate year group for their uncertain future, 55-year-old teacher Georges Lopez brings an air of patience, professionalism and pride to his duties. Consequently, Nicolas Philibert's documentary is an unceasing delight, as it watches Lopez handling the various personality clashes, domestic crises and learning difficulties of the tots and tweenies in his care. Genuinely capturing a sense of community and conveying the pivotal role Lopez has played in so many lives, this is a fond and fascinating portrait of an unassuming local hero.
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This wonderful film by acclaimed French documentarist Philibert charts half a year in the life of Georges Lopez and... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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49 out of 56 people found this review helpful
Perfect
A perfect little film. This study of one year in the life of a rural French school, and the personable methods of the teacher, Mr Lopez, is absolutely fascinating from start to finish.
Never overly intrusive, the camera sits in the tiny schoolroom as the children take lessons, and follows the path that they take throughout the year. The film stands as a testament to the importance of teaching, and is always engaging, funny and often extremely and unexpectedly moving.
I can't recommend it enough. Do yourself a favour and rent it! -
Most recent members' review
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
What a wonderful film... I only got it originally because I teach French and had heard of it. I was not expecting much from a documentary film about a teacher and his class, I thought it would be something just to practise my French. It was an absolute delight, however, with parts that were so funny they made me laugh out loud! Maybe being a teacher myself helped me to really enjoy this film but I have to say that Monsieur Lopez has the patience of a saint and deserves a medal for dealing with a class whose ages range from 10 to 4. The little kids were wonderful - my favourite bit was them trying to use the photocopier! I'm glad I teach secondary!
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Etre Et Avoir
At a rural school in the Auvergne region of France, teacher Georges Lopez presides over a class of thirteen children, ages 4 to 11. Lopez teaches the different age groups separate lessons, making rounds to ensure that each child understands the task at hand--whether it is coloring a picture, ...
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