A film about how even troubled boys can be shaped into people with potential if they have an adult with them, in whom they find support and who really cares about them.

Teacher Clément Mathieu arrives at a school for troubled boys. A harsh regime reigns here, led by the local calculating and not very sensitive headmaster.

Clément’s hobby is music, through which he manages to win over the boys. Initially, the school management puts various logs under his feet because his approach is very unconventional by local standards.

Over time, when the wider community starts to notice the success that teacher Clément Mathieu achieves with his pupils, he becomes more accepted by the headmaster himself. Later on, however, the situation between teacher Clément and the headmaster becomes complicated again because of various difficulties that arise in the school.

Their conflict culminates in his being fired from the school. Nevertheless, his action bears fruit.

Parents Guide: The beating of boys by strict teachers. About 2x vulgar swearing. Clément’s achievements without much trouble seem a bit utopian. Disrespectful behaviour of boys towards adults.

Cast: Gérard Jugnot, François Berléand, Jean-Baptiste Maunier, Kad Merad, Marie Bunel, Maxence Perrin, Didier Flamand, Jacques Perrin

Crew: Christophe Barratier

France / Switzerland / Germany, 2004

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