Exoticalot People are voting emotionally.

Tacticalin An absolute waste of money

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Seraherrera The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

rocketthericky This movie was a surprise find in the rarely used foreign film section of my usual DVD rental shop.The picture of innocence on the pupils face upon the DVD cover and the prospect of progressing my French vocab allured me to it.Since viewing it, really i should use the word; reliving,i have formed unexpected genial and sentimental memories of my own school days. This movie is essential viewing for any / all of us who have attended national or primary education. The realization that i alone could relate to each and every pupil, (and to the teacher), a similar person from my life and experience was overwhelming. i hold dear the joy of innocence and the reality of individuality portrayed in real life by all those who participated in this... exposition of the joy of obtaining and giving knowledge. the struggles were once my own, the humor warms me still, the knowledge is empirically embedded after the same such endeavor. i applaud this film and its' writer, director and producer. i know all its subject but by different names. i will re-watch it time and time again so that i may remain attached to the honesty of progress in life for us all via the altruism of dedicated teachers of knowledge and empathy.i hope my spelling errors do not influence your choice to experience this film.

Simone A Beautiful film, showing the beauty of France in a way that wants you to go and visit (or live) there.I hear many bad things about the french, but i believe that they have not understood the certain rules that the french live by. The french are not cold people, but rather lovely, you just need to take the time and effort to get to know them, but once you do, the french are the most loyal people you can have as friends! This films is simply adorable, even if it is a documentary, it is not boring but rather entertaining, I wish i went to such a school! Perfect if you wish to learn french, and i think that it portrays the country french people well.

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!