Shall we start?
Quiet!
One, two, three...
There was a little man"
Pirouette, alouette"
There was a little man"
Who had a funny little house"
His house was of cardboard"
Pirouette, alouette"
"The stairs were paper-made..."
A story can unfold like a dream
You fall asleep, then awaken
And yet you keep going
You want to be caring,
Help your hero, take him by the hand
But you just stand there doing nothing
Life goes by and you've done nothing
a film by Bertrand Taverier
IT ALL BEGINS TODAY
Phillipe Torreton
Maria Pitarresi
Nadia Kaci
Screenplay by Dominique Sampiero
Tiffany Tavernier Bertrand Tavernier
Directed by Bertrand Tevernier
The pretty string got all untied"
The string broke up"
And the nose flew up high"
A jet airplane"
"Pirouette, alouette
"Caught the nose up in the sky..."
"That's the end of my story
"Pirouette, alouette
"Ladies, gentlemen, give us a hand"
I must weigh your baby
I'm here to help you
He's around. - Where?
He's around. Stop needling me!
How long since you've fed him?
He's not bawling. - He's too weak to!
Why did you come?
Damn the baby!
Always change him, always feed him!
I'm flat broke, so get off my ass!
I'm calling an ambulance. - Whatever!
Sit up straight, Guillaume
Easy does it. That's it
Don't point at your shoe
"Say:"Please, Daniel, tie my shoe
Easy does it!
Go on, say it
Mind your own business
Ask and I'll do it
Ask me. Let's hear your voice
Go sit down
Go play in your corner
What's the matter?
He hits the others
Well, little guy?
So, Kevin, nothing to say?
How do you say it nicely?
How do you ask nicely?
I don't like doors
Doors that open, doors that close
Always the same void
A void filled with cries, or absences
A void that obstructs
It's the girl you take in a doorway
Someone leaving, someone coming back
One day, you retrace your steps
What keeps us here?
Is it love? Childhood?
Look at you! You'll catch cold!
I don't believe it!
He's still in his pyjamas!
Every time I'm in a hurry!
Can you watch Laetitia for me?
I have a doctor's appointment
and I'm late. Be good
Let's go play until Mommy comes
Wash your hands, Laetitia
Tuesday is couscous day
Mr Lefebvre, she's here
Your Mommy's here
Wiped your hands, honey?
Put this up
It's cold out
Bye, honey'
What's the matter? Mrs Henry!
Mrs Henry!
Was she...?
What else. She reeked of alcohol
Back inside
If you can't manage, call me
He's so filthy
Shit
The line's cut
Okay...
Now I'm stuck with two kids
That's all I needed
Call the police.
Are you kidding?
A baby and a 5-year-old?
Look, those are the regulations
There'll be a report, which for her...
I know. Try Child Welfare Services
Yes...
Is the faucet still leaking?
The kids first
The faucet can wait
OK. The Services
I think she was...
And we're stuck here with...
A girl of 5 and a baby on our hands
Excuse me?
But I told you!
Daniel Lefebvre, the Lagrange School
Take them to the police and...
There must be a better way
It's the Henry family. H-E-N-R-Y
I have nothing on file
You may have a number. A brother or...
A grandmother's better than the police
There's a professional privilege
I can't give you any information
Unbelievable! She hung up on me!
I'm taking them home. Enough's enough
I'll take the responsibility
Wake up, Laetitia...
We're going home
Are you awake?
You did a nice horse
Evening, Mr Lefebvre. - Evening
Next time, I buy a bus
You may have to
It's the sixth time
The lock, Mr Lefebvre
Vacation time?
No, school bus service
You're collecting your pupils?
It's clear, no? See you
In this foul weather...
Better not wait for next year
How's your little brother? - Good
He's okay?
Is he squirming? - Yes
A little?
"A little mouse ran in the grass
"I caught it by the tail
"I showed it to the gentlemen
"The gentlemen said
"Dip it in some oil
"Dip it in some water
"lt'll come out a nice warm snail
"What did she do
"The little swallow
"She snatched from us..."
Is this it?
Wait on the sidewalk
You-hoo! We're home!
Come, little man
It's here
The door's open!?
No light? - No
You okay, Mommy?
Leave us alone
Leave us alone!
Excuse me, sir
I'm the director of Lagrange School
I brought Mrs Henry's kids home
She's not well. Where's her husband?
In Belgium for a transport firm
Damn
The power? - Been cut off for months
They're not the only ones
We take the kids in when it's cold
I'll take them tonight
That's all I can do
That's nice of you. Thanks
I think of Mrs Henry's broken windows
And the cold
Years ago, my Dad crawled in the mine
The slag heaps rose skyward
like inverted pits
Only lunatics still climb them
I know. Cathy phoned
Stop it!
What's for dinner? - Rabbit in prunes
Cool. Sounds good.
Pass me the garlic, please
I've got a problem
It's Rimbaud
As I descended impassive rivers"
"Guided by the haulers..."
No."I no longer felt myself
"guided by the haulers
"Screaming Redskins made them targets"
"nailing them naked..." -No, another
"I have my Gaelic ancestors
"pale blue eyes
"narrow minds, clumsiness in combat
"My clothes are as barbaric as theirs
"But I don't butter my hair..."
I'll skip the rest. - Let's see
I have to give my impressions. - So?
It's totally dumb
Butters his hair? That's his problem
"I have my Gaelic ancestors..."
Damn, my dinosaur gained 4 ounces!
Our region's future lies in tourism
We must create a new image,
and put an end to Germinal
"Nevermore tradition's chains"
our opponents sang. We shall act!
We'll be modern, hospitable, European
Bathe our slag heaps in light
No more protectionism!
Let's submit to the law of the market
Thanks to you, Mr Delaunay, we out
a pediatric nurse and a psychologist
Don't dramatize, eh?
Do you know your national average?
93 percent!
"National average"? What's that mean?
A meaningless, abstract figure
One pediatric nurse for 250 newborn
spells disaster here!
45% of our budget goes to social
services. You call that abstract?
You saved millions on family planning,
but we at Child Welfare
haven't seen a cent
And the funds to fight delinquency?
The workers we sent into the field?
What about the bookmobile?
It's a success, no?
But the solution's not...
I know. You told me a hundred times:
"Not the curing but the preventing"
The situation's clear
Family planning gets closed down,
saving at the expense of the destitute
Volunteers are left holding the bag
And to create an illusion of progress
we invest:
We build, cut ribbons
and sing the national anthem
Nadir, your Daddy's here
Can I help her? Her boy's a bit wild
Sure. Nadir was fantastic today
And don't skimp. Use lots of cheese
The pie you buy is too dry
Lots of cream, cheese and pepper
He hasn't brought a snack in a month
We have rules
Tomorrow, no snack, I'll send him home
I'm sorry
I wanted to see you. Malaurie, honey
She drank coffee again today
She prefers coffee
I told you 3 times: No coffee
Audrey, honey. No wonder she's wild
She knows words like "hedgehog"
She's making progress
All day he looked at his new shoes
You have very nice shoes
I want to see Warren's parents
He fights. Especially with Margot
Are you in love?
Go with your grandmother
I came for Laetitia. I'm a neighbor
You're taking her home
Go see the director first
Go see him. 'Bye, Laetitia
Jeremy any better? - No. I'm fed up
I'm sending him to a foster home
He's 14. He needs exercise
He's a good-for-nothing
Now, now
Dress them up for class photo day
I've come for her, they've sent me here
You met my husband yesterday
No problem. Just sign her out
A pretty scarf! It looks nice on you
You're a real princess
Can I talk to you?
Mrs Henry's okay. - Lf not, call me
Can I bring the baby for the photo?
Sure. - Thanks
You're in great shape! - So it seems
But we almost lost it
Touch it for good luck
Can I see you a minute, Mrs Bry?
Payment's not obligatory,
but you're two payments behind
If all did like you how'd we get by?
What do you think the money's for?
If helps us pay for Christmas gifts,
Easter eggs, a few snacks
I don't enjoy asking for money
I'm not paying off my car with it
30 francs a term, it's not much
I finish my month on 30 francs!
Today's the 23rd! Are you saying
the 4 of you live on 30f a week?
We do! I buy milk and dry biscuits
We soak them in the milk
It keeps us going for a week
I'll work something out
Say, I had to calm Mrs Prevel down
She says you pulled Julien's hair
Now he comes to school crying
She's being naive
He's a monster. It's draining
I know how you feel
But you really pulled his hair?
He exhausted my patience
There are always kids we can't stomach
Let's admit: They're not all angels
I didn't realize what I was doing
It happens to all of us
When it does, we should talk
We're trained to suppress
those feelings, to be ashamed of them
So a problem child ends up a scapegoat
Julien moved 4 times in 3 years
Really?
May we pass, Sophie? - Please
At training college, they said
I'd be more like a social worker
They tell you that now? - Yes
That's good! What else?
Nothing. They just say it
Candy? - Thanks
Lice are a real problem
And I can't give them Kwell shampoos
It's considered a drug
Anyway, it does no good
The whole family's lice-ridden
They live in filth. Call the Services
I did. They said they'd do something
We have to act. Expel the child!
Sure, it's in the regulations
And why not kids with runny noses?
You louse!
Why bother with these meetings?
The toilets are in a deplorable state
And the wash-room faucet!
And the gastroenteritis!
And the heat is broken again
I reported to the City and the board
You fight a lot and obtain little
We're fed up. Let's draft a petition
Send it to the mayor and the press
I'm all for it
I can help you draft it
but officially, I know nothing
If they find out, it won't help
So what do you suggest?
I'm for it, but there are
bigger problems, like overcrowding
And with more problem families,
the City can do nothing
This should be a Priority District:
25 to a class, additional resources
It's up to the high-school principal
to request priority status
It's not easy
Then why won't she
It gives a bad image
So, do we do a petition? - Sure
But I warned you
Let's wish Michele a happy birthday
Hi, Juliette. - Hi, Daniel
In City Hall they said you'd be here
Do you know Mrs Henry?
The wino?
We have a fish special. - Fine
Forget about the electric company
Especially Mrs Etchabery. A bitch
The Dauby family: 2 kids, mid-winter
Even the senator got involved
No one cares. Tried Child Welfare?
They hung up on me
Confidential! What's so confidential?
Everybody knows they're in the shit
I can put together a care package
But the mother has to pick it up
She'll never come. - Regulations
They have to show their good will
A sense of responsibility
This could go on for years
I'm sure the girl goes hungry
The school meals? - Too expensive
Those kinds blow aid money on booze
"Those" have a baby and a 5-year old
So what can we do, now?
I can't see to evreyone!
OK, I'll apply for assistance
But you have to wait a bit
10 meals at 12 francs, that's 120f
Say it's from the City
Hands in the air!
What hands!
Covered in paint!
Someone's here...
I said no. Especially if it's a rep
It's not. And Mrs Meriaux is here...
Mrs Meriaux!
Just looking
Sure. You'll see her at 4:20
All right already, I'm going
Next time I'll really lose my temper
Goodbye, Mrs Meriaux!
Mrs Duhem
I heard about the Henry family
I wasn't in
Never mind that. It's absurd that a
case worker won't give me information
and hangs up when I'm stuck with a kid
We're snowed under!
This isn't the first time
It's hell to get you here!
I report cases, you do nothing
Like the 4-year-Olds' Checkup!
It's always put off
No doctors, no nurses...
It's intolerable!
Enforce the law, dammit!
We're doing our best...
We should be working together
For children, nothing's confidential
Until all the problems are ironed out
you people won't set foot in here!
Goodbye. I'm sorry
What're you looking at me for?
Problem's settled
If you say so. - I do
They did the cross-tabulation table
Bravo. It's always a nightmare for me
Too much noise in here!
See you tomorrow, Mrs Delacourt
You really flew off the handle
If the Inspector hears we're in for it
You did good, you'll get your stripes
I know those inspectors
They'll fix your wagon
Did you see how Laetitia lives?
She sleeps in her hat and mittens
You see?
20 years ago, I had 45 pupils
We didn't complain. 45 pupils!
We had discipline. They came on time
And they were clean
Back then there was poverty too
It's all changed now
I have 30 pupils but I can't cope
They arrive late, and they're filthy
The parents are often in straits
Few of them are working
The kids don't know what working means
Worse, they have only me to talk to
Hope?
Not tell myself they'll go to college
I don't believe that now
It's just to give them affection,
because I'm attached to them
That's the only hope I have left
If you could see those kids...
they're in a sorry state
So small,
so vulnerable
The mothers don't tend to them
As if they want to be rid of them
They send their kids to school sick!
They watch TV all day then they
stick the kids in front of the TV
Even during dinner. The result:
We have to teach them everything
Even to say hello
And not only that...
Some of them don't even know
that you can actually talk to people
For them, words are for saying:
"I'm hungry, I'm cold. I'm thirsty"
It's survival
Did you hit her?
Shit. I forgot
There's room for improvement
Drinks, Dad. Daniel raised hell again
On the house? - That's right
A beer
Go on, serve him a beer
Hello, Laetitia. - Hi
Your Mommy in? - She's asleep
This is for her. And you, too
Can I put this here?
Did you get a look?
It's nice to say something sometimes
You can call me Daniel
What is it? - I want to sing
The same? Who's winning? - We are
We have 8,
10 and 11
We even have little Gregory
who came despite a foot operation
First shot!
It's not normal
That's Mrs Bry. I'll go talk to her
Hello, Wendy. You okay?
Give me a little kiss?
No kiss for me?
This is Valeria
What's your name? - Sulky Wendy
Even the birthday cookies
The times I've requested a real lock!
They even tore up the class photos
Any idea who did it?
Local kids. No need to look far
Took the VCR, the TV and my camcorder
Bad luck
So what did you come for?
Run the usual fingerprint check
I did it for you. For the insurance
No breaking and entering, no cash
With the windows I smash,
I could cash in as a glazier
There's no class today
We have to clean up
It's dangerous. Glass all over
Thieves? - Yeah. Bad thieves
Can anyone give us a hand cleaning?
You explained? - Yes. We'll manage
Her Mom left her. She didn't know
You know her? - I can take her
Arne't you insured? - Sure we are
But right now we have nothing
And it was my camcorder
See you, honey
We saved a piece for you
Thanks. You shouldn't have
My husband
Nice to meet you
So you're a truck driver?
I run material to working sites
Come tell the kids about your job?
I wouldn't know how
Show them how a truck works
Kids love that
But it's not my truck
I'll talk to your boss
Should he bring his truck to school?
We've come to help. We're four
I'm coming. - I'll get you a broom
Did the City contact you?
They want to see us?
We'd rather manage on our own
If I find 4 days of work
I lose my benefits
But that's for unemployment
Unemployment, the City, all alike
Always checking up on us
It's not our fault we have no work
They might take our kids away
That's not why they contacted you
So, they took your camcorder? - Yes
Come on, we need you!
I have to go
Don't worry
The Henry notice
is just for the care package?
Let them know. They're scared stiff
They're right to be scared
Okay, I won't keep you
Making headway? - Not much. Gotta scrub
That's a yogurt stain
I'm taking the garbage out
We'll never make it
It's happened twice before
It makes me sick
I'm from Child Welfare. - What now?
Wasn't I clear with Mrs Duhem? - Listen
You listen! I let you in only when you
start tackling the real problems!
I'm sorry. Goodbye
Someone's ringing. - I know
Aren't you getting it? - It's OK
Still ringing. - May be the plumber
Dammit...
Slam the door in my face again
and I'll keep ringing until 5!
Yes, we hung up on you and it's wrong
but that's no reason to play Rambo
Especially with a broom
And I think you could use some help
Samia Damouni. Pediatric nurse
I started last month
Can't control your pupils?
Very funny
Know how many we are here? - No
4 over 4,000 people
including 300 problem families
We need twice as many nurses
We have one doctor for 5,000 children
We do the checkup when we can
That's illegal. - Sure, it's illegal!
But nobody gives a damn!
Including many of your colleagues
We're no better. Some of us lie low
and leave the dirty work to others
So I have to wait 5 more years? - No
You made a stink. You'll get it soon
With bonus, like in a box of cereal
The Inspector's summons
This thing's got him wired
As usual. - As usual
But you know...
This ruckus may help speed things up
These drawings are wonderful. - Yes
We did a show last year
Lolita did that. A bit wild
You can tell from the colors
Dylan. That's Wendy... a bit sadder
That's Clayton's
Dylan, Wendy, Clayton...
Texas. - "The Young and the Restless"
Micauel dumps Pamela who meets Jack
A registrar's nightmare
But I shouldn't complain. Mrs Lienart
has twins: Starsky and Hutch
I've had it with your bullshit!
Thefts, smashed-up phones, slit tires!
We get 50 calls a week!
We don't even go 'cause it's always
12-13 year old punks like you
whose parents neglect them!
What were you gonna do with the VCR
and TV? Tell me!
Every jobless family here has a TV!
Look how filthy you are!
Didn't you learn to wash?
You mug old ladies and shoplift
Now you sack a school! No limits!
Deadbeats! Good for nothings!
This time you're going to prison
D'you have a toy truck? - A tractor
The crane comes forward, then opens
It picks up things
That's a crane? It's high!
Here. That's the hook
What can you put in a truck?
Straw! - A car!
It was a good idea
I think they enjoyed it
Goodbye!
Lindsey, hold Brice's hand
Can I talk to you? - Of course
Enough with your bullshit! Come out!
Come out or I break the door in!
I didn't do anything! I didn't go in!
I wanted to play a prank. - A prank?
You've got a pea for a brain!
You don't give a damn!
Just dinosaurs and stupid video games!
Come out or I break the door in!
But I didn't go in
You've no right! You're not my father!
Can I see you a minute?
What're you doing here?
You look awful...
I feel awful
I slapped Remi. He was with
the two kids who wrecked my school
It can't be! - The cops told me
He says it was to play a prank on me
He slipped them the key. Some prank!
I lost it and slapped him
That's wrong. Why didn't you call me?
Why? I don't know
Because I'm stupid
Because I screw up
Because your kid hates me
Stop talking nonsense
Is Remi alone?
Yes, but he's OK
I can't believe it!
Don't worry
Shall we go?
Daniel, you lock up!
Want to talk?
Who do you hang out with?
Those kids are thugs!
Answr me, why d'you do it?
You want to ruin our life?
You get a kick out of hurting Daniel?
You don't get it! They aren't my pals
But at least their real Dads hit them
I don't know mine. - Don't start
You always pull that on me!
Tell me about him. What's his name?
I have a right to know!
Your father doesn't exist. He's scum
Then why did you fuck him?
Your mother didn't "fuck"
I was 17, young, I loved dancing
I felt good in his arms
It's not all. I was born. His son!
You're not! You're nothing for him!
He wanted me to get an abortion!
That's the truth!
When I said I wouldn't, he vanished
I didn't try to see him again
You really caused a stir
Take kids home... see what it gets us?
I'm knotting my tie. Mrs Duhem's here
You're handsome
I called you at the Minister's request
to revive the dialogue between you,
school directors, and social services
A difficult dialogue, to judge
from incidents in this district
I won't mention names
To foster better coordination,
I'll ask the various social services
to define their tasks
lt'll benefit us all
He's dodging the issues
Who will begin?
I'm a case worker. Karine Duhem
I see to problem families in the field
I often deal with serious problems:
Hygiene, health, alcoholism,
incest, domestic violence...
The list is long
The Inspector, whom I thank,
pointed out that our difficult work
is aggravated by certain teachers,
who play the social worker
I resent that last remark
Hold on, Mr Lefebvre
The social services have the floor
This isn't a talk show
Let them have their say. Thank you
Smoking here brings back memories
Some coordination meeting!
You shut up and listen to people
who are acoountable to no one
Sure, it's pointless
Anyway, we're not social workers
On the Gauss Curve, the middle counts
They can still be saved
The others are a lost cause
We're no God. We're underpaid as it is
Your Gauss Curve is crap
I have nothing but problem kids
While society implodes, we gather
around the Leader to hear the Gospel
What a waste of time!
We're not an ambulance service!
The hard cases take all our time
So we throw half in the trash
and see what we can do with the rest?
The trash can's growing. It'll blow up
It's easy to blame others
But I have a computer class,
a school paper, class trip to Paris
Methods that work. - Methods, eh?
Remember Laurent? The strait jacket?
Maybe you saved 10 with your Curve
But what about Laurent?
He may kill himself or someone else
Lots of kids are on the edge
and no one talks to them
They don't need a social worker
but someone to listen to them
To the man who's put up
with my girl for two years!
He is truly...
He is truly phenomenal...
Remi, go to Daniel. Be nice
Make an effort. It's my birthday
Go talk to him! - Leave me alone!
You're not my buddy!
The mines. The rolling mills. Closed
Men show children the apple-tree road,
the brick-warmed sky,
the carp's round belly
Water flows in the woods
We pass as if the earth would
make us stronger. Humbler
Snow fills out the bodices
Crows dance with fairies
There's Mormal and the hidden ponds
Virgins buried under the chapel stones
20 poplars stand at the village gates
1st month he had a dr.'s certificate
but it's only good for a week, not 3
Joel is delicate
32 pupils are hard enough
So how do I fight for him?
We understand. - Then why don't you
bring him to school every day?
It's not complicated!
We stopped setting the alarm
We're looking for work for years
No work, nothing to get up for
No need. Then it's too late
Excuse me. It's for the milk
In 5 minutes
Yes. I understand
It's tough, eh?
But if you give up, what can I do?
I'll dismiss Joel from school
You're doing him wrong
You have no right to give up!
Force yourselves to get up
Take him to school
Kindergarten isn't a passtime
I teach the basics of reading-writing
It's very important
lt'll help him in elementary school
He won't fall behind
Some days, it's just too much
Your Joel is terrific
Yes, almost
Good, Cassandra
You're good. Did you see her?
Go on, show me
Now get back in line
Who did it over there?
You? Good. You're the champ
Almost. Who'll make it?
Basketball's harder, eh?
Try it like this. Go on
Careful...
Yes! Nice going, Maxim
Did you see him?
Mr Lefebvre
In the toilets. It's serious
I'll watch the children
Show Mr lefebvre your back
Allison, Fabrice, go outside
Sit on the bench. Quietly
What happened, Jimmy? Did you fall?
No?
Who hurt you? - Nobody
Nobody? You sure?
Did you fight with someone?
What do you think?
I can't say
Let me see your back again
The bruises seem faint
It's not enough for a report
You must tell me if anyone hurts you
No one has the right to hurt you
No me, not Cathy,
not Mommy or Daddy. No one
No one has the right to hurt you
The title "Balloons in the Sky"
On which photo? Yes. Very good
Where is it? Look at the word, Kelly
What's this word? - "Balloon"
Now you, Nicolas
Mom!
Where is he? - By the dovecot
Hit him! He's choking!
Do something! He's choking!
He's going to die! Hit him!
Yes, hit him. That's it
Coming? - No, I'll wait here
This way, he'll be back
Call your brother? - Yes
Copy machines sell well now
I sold 30 around Le Havre
That's nice
You should come work with me
Your father's better. You can go in
No smoking, please
Valeria!
Turn that off! My Dad had a stroke!
My Dad had a stroke. - I heard you
He's in reanimation now
Is that all you care?
Yeah. He screwed up your life
He'd beat you unconscious
And he always insulted me
So? You expect me to cry?
But he's still my father
I'm thirsty. Want some? - No
That's how she is, you know
Yeah, I'll have some
To your health, kiddo
That's how she is
Are you angry?
I won't say that again
Can I see what you wrote? - No
Your father comes home next week
Did he say anything?
He's too weak
No one came to see him
He hasn't talked to anyone in years
You don't need an oxygen bottle
just to go to the toilet
This tastes like mud
It's your father's coffee
Miners's coffee, not teachers'
Can you fix the living-room outlet?
It's time to move out of here
Dad won't leave the mining village
His whole life is here
Read Charlotte Delbo first
She combs the snow like winter
That falls about her breasts and face
Love slipe through hair and fingers
A multitute lying in blood
She combs the snow
The way is long through the fields
She combs the snow, yes
She prays, if praying is this
newfound slowness, this surprise
Gentle tears in hands and voice
Gentleness of being nothing
in the most serene seconds...
"I drew a monstrous thing
"It has a hump and a big opening
"Antennas, braids and band-aids
"It has one green eye
"and three hairy feet
"Couldn't face it, tried to erase it
"But I couldn't chase it..."
Very nice!
Bon appetit, honey
Goodbye, Daniel. Bon appetit
Hi. I was in the sector
Brought you the forms
for the checkup of the 4-year-olds
May 5th. How's that? - I'm dreaming!
And I've only been here 3 months
A problem, Monique? - A new rule:
No school lunch without tickets
The Mayor's in a meeting!
You've deprived 2 kids of lunches!
Do I take them to MacDo's?
They need to eat!
The Council voted. It had no choice!
It's costing us too much money
It's only 20 francs. - Times hundreds
Some owe 5 months
We're feeding their kids for free!
And hungry kids? - Don't lecture me!
I have a 34% unemployment rate
It's bad. I'd love a solution
25% of my budget is social
8 schools, no money, no jobs!
I'm fighting for emergency funding!
I wrote the Minister. - The kids?
It's up to their parents
Nice going...
A Communist mayor! - Forget it
There are things I can and cannot do!
It's all political now
"I need a job, I need a flat..."
If not, they vote far right
I'm no magician
Another cut line
We'll contact the parents tonight
Come eat before it's all gone
The chips are good
Eating it up?
She'll get ketchup on her
Nadia prefers her Mom's cake
But Kevin ate three crepes
Good. He never eats at home
He's had too many foster homes
Spare me
Mrs Henry!
A problem. No lunches without tickets
They helped you last month. - True
Some abuse it. I don't mean you
I'll manage. My husband just got paid
That's good
Mrs Delacourt's pleased with Laetitia
You wrote your whole name yesterday?
That's very good, dear
Watch your brother
Can I speak with you?
Got this paper. I don't understand it
Must be for the electricity
No, the rent. A garnishment notice
To withhold part of your income
6,644 fr for bailiff's fee!?
They're gonna take money?
Yes. 2,000fr, on the 3rd
But I saw someone at City Hall!
We haven't had power in 6 months!
And the mini-meter? - They want money
Unbelievable...
How will I manage?
Where are the clouds?
Let's see some big clouds
Do your dance again
I want to reach a new public,
exhibit in factories, schools,
where they don't know sculpture
Listen to them, work with them
Even if they say it stinks,
at least there's an exchange
You can chicken fowl on your diet?
Am I the only union member here?
It's useless. I was, for 10 years
They do help in certain domains
For our pay raises, but otherwise
they're only interested in perks
And we rank as qualified teachers
I'm unionized just for that?
No, to earn 1,000fr more a month
What commitment!
Should we sing The International?
You remember it?
To you
How's the wine?
The truth? - Yes
These three are fine
OK. Anaise Doise
She worries me
She has dizzy spells. Even fell once
Her sight and hearing seem normal
Did you suggest a doctor?
Yes. They probably didn't go
OK. We'll make a note:
"Must make appointment
"with family doctor
"to do scann." -Very good
Now, Estelle Dupuy. - Very bad shape
When I call her, she doesn't respond
And she talks like a baby. - True
And the parents get annoyed:
"Why not say our daughter's deaf!"
Write in the file: "Audiogram
"See ENT specialist"
I'll follow with the parents
Your Mommies are coming. Sit down
The fabulous Jean-Baptiste!
You were fine today. 'Bye, kiddo
Shake. We've won
And the checkup isn't mandatory
Only to get into first grade
But with all the directives,
they're confused. You scared them
and pushed it through
The Henrys got a garnishment notice
I don't believe it! I called twice!
I spoke to the litigation services!
Here's the school fund
If it isn't Aurelie!
No kiss now that you're in g-school?
She had a straigh A report card
You were right to insist
She's shy, but she gets by
But this one's another story
Know what Remi's report card said?
"Might pass in the year 2021"
Not funny. It's insulting. He cried
It won't motivate him
Saw the teacher? - Tried to. 4 times
I don't get it. - It's gone!
You give the parents time
in kindergarten, then nothing!
That hurts the fish
No. No sensation in their mouths
How'd you like a hook in your finger?
Don't spoil my afternoon
If you catch one, I'll cover my eyes
Right. Give us a kiss
It's biting! Come quick!
Stay calm. I'm coming!
Lower it. I'll reel it in
Take a deep breath... The net!
Quick! - Do it yourself, I can't look
Come, come...
Bring it in easy
Come to Daddy...
It's heavy!
It tore the net. It's a monster!
And now what? - We put it back
I hope so. - Wanna watch?
Congrats!
Nice going
Careful!
Get in a line. Back into class
Cathy, get them back into class
Two by two
I won't need you in the classroom
Continue the kangaroo cutouts
"Kisses on the neck, lots and lots..."
Aurelie raised her hand
Who is it? - The witch Krakasha
Very good. Get over there
Let's listen to Aurelie
"The witch Krakasha has a dust bag
"It's full of nightmares, bugs,
"naughty words and disgust
"I don't like the witch Krakasha"
Now who's this? - Pimpernilla
"Pimpernilla, the queen caterpillar
"Lays her cocoon to make a butterfly
"Pimpereyes, the king of butterflies
"Cut off his beard
"Pimpereyes, the king of butterflies
"Cut off his beard in one slice"
The scissors sound was nice. Now:
How are things on earth?
Things are just fine
Are the puppies full of mirth? - No!
They're not, Nicolas? - Yes
So? Are the puppies full of mirth?
They are. Thank you
And the clouds?
They're rolling
And the volcanos?
They're blowing
And the rivers?
They're glowing
No, flowing by. And time?
It's going by. Very good
I said it. - Good, Kelly
And your soul?
It's looking pallid
Spring is green. - Ate too much salad!
What do I do with it?
You put water
Water? Fill it up?
To write? - No
No, for the salad...
If I eat too much salad? - Yes
But I won't
Follow the arrows. Make the "r"
The "r" in Brice
That's very good, honey
Yes, Clayton?
Go on. You may change colors
Yes, Sylvia?
What's going on here?
Naturally, it's Aurelien
Concentrate on your own work!
My pen cap! - Later
Cutting things nicely?
Your tore your paper, Lolita?
See you later, children
So I witnessed the use of gestures
to find the words to a nursery rhyme
A fine exercise in memory, motivity
and the articulation of language
You handle feedback perfectly
and you capture your audience
The children clearly enjoyed it
But avoid moving among groups
You get dispersed that way
Read the study by Jocelyne Giassion
The name's a mouthful...
She argues how multitask learning
can lead to scholastic failure
What do I do with the other groups?
Make them self-reliant: A basic tenet
of modern pedagogy
And another thing. It's important
Be diligent about recording
each pedagogical aim
School shapes knowledge, and it will
help you prepare the evaluations
A few more things
Say "What is this?", not "It's what?"
Ane be directive. They overwhelm you
I've come for your work as a director
Your war with the social services,
your buccaneering initiatives...
Can't change a Maradona into a bishop
Are you behind the petition?
It was the school council
You involve the parents too much
We're told to. - Under my supervision
Be a mediator, not an agitator
Two parents just complained
you wouldn't enroll their child
I already have classes of 32!
It's hard in this district
Aren't you for class reduction to 25?
Sure, but that's not the question
I just don't want any more complaints
Fine. I'll think about your grade
Who's this man? - The big boss
Laetitia, your Mommy's here
She was waiting for you
Heard anything about the electricity?
Mr Lefebvre said he'd see to it
I can't say
He's in his office
How did it go? - Change the subject
Not even a goodbye
Opheline's sweater got lost again
and her mother's all worked up
I need that leave request form!
I'll fill it out myself!
I have no time now. Go see Samia
OK? Goodbye
I haven't the time to see to it!
I can do it. - Let's do it now
Of the 8 inspectors I had, only one
knew the turf and was close to us
I'd gladly sent the others to a slum
We don't work for them
My only promotion'll be by seniority
It's been that way for 12 years!
The asshole won't raise my grade!
I've 19.5 points but my mark's low
Stop complaining
What do you care about points?
It's a stupid, childish system
They grade you like kids
13 out of 20 means slow progres
less money and you look incompetent
To whom? - To everybody! Colleagues,
secretaries, pedagogical advisors!
Then stay a petty clerk like the rest
Tremble before your bosses, your Dad!
Why take risks?
Why dare live? Breathe? Argue?
Why get married, for instance?
Or give me a child?
What time do I set the alarm for?
No answer? Then 6:30, as usual
Leave me alone
We'll never make it, then
Turn off the light, I want to sleep
Lights off, a boy, lights on, a girl
Sure you want a boy?
Let's keep it on
There was enough Phenobarbital
to kill the kids in 5 minutes
Did you hear? It's awful
Coffee? - Leave me alone, Mom
Sugar?
I feel like quitting
You can love people, but not help them
Sorry
But Mrs Henry drank! Never gave it up
It's too easy to say that
I didn't see it coming! I screwed up
Even for the meter!
I've 20 cases like hers! - She's dead!
There's a law, dammit!
In '98, in France, they can't deprive
people of heat and power in winter!
They're clever. They do it in the fall
But the meter wasn't the cause
You come home with your kids,
No light, you can't cook...
It's been like that for 8 months!
All winter, watching your kids freeze!
Depression, drink, then one night!
She had plenty of worries
Rent, unemployment, complaints
They wanted to take her kids away
I'd have to see her 3 times a day!
How could I? Answer me! How?
Don't give in, Daniel
Don't give in
Come to dinner tonight?
I can't. Another time
If only I'd answered the phone...
But the children... - What about them?
She isn't here. I took the kids in
Speaking
Take your time, Mrs Delacourt
Right, have a good cry
We all need to. It's good for you
Don't worry, we'll manage
Is that Mrs Delacourt? - Yes
Can I talk to her?
Gloria's in charge. Take care
Mrs Paquotte wants to talk to you
Yes, I know
Don't worry, I'll come by later
We'll see about the dance
The city's sending money
for a bus for the field trip
That's nice
"In view of this tragedy,
"a member of each school is requested
"at the funeral of Mrs Lucie Henry
"and her children, Laetitia and Alexis
"Please make all the necessary..."
No one tried to help that woman!
Now they give her a royal funeral!
Not going would be worse
It could help move things
I'm not going! - Don't do that
No point in turning them against you
You go. I'm not stopping you
You'll find the right words
Next year you replace me. I've had it
I'm quitting
He's right
Whuddya say?
Said nuttin'
Whuddya do?
Dun nuttin'
Whuddya think?
Thought nuttin'
Why'd ya say nuttin', do nuttin',
think nuttin'? - I dun exist!
Shall we call our pal?
Shall we call him?
Leave Mr lefebvre alone
You can't go on like this
Would Laetitia've liked to see this?
Would she've wanted you to give up?
And Opheline and Kevin and the others?
I know what you have to do
The dress I made for Marc's birthday?
Green, with yellow-orange diamonds?
It made you laugh
We'll do the same with your school
We'll use those colors in the yard
The schoolyard's drab, all gray
We'll splatter it with color
And the children will help us
lt'll cost nothing. We'll recycle
Like used felt pens. We soak
the cartridges to extract the ink
And in the playroom: 3 tons of sand
3 tons of sand?! - Yes
We recreate an Arabian desert,
put up Berber tents...
Berber tents? From where?
Old sheets. The kids can paint them
They learn to create beauty from nil
Hold it tight
Let's go
You're spilling it, Nicolas
Everyone pick a color
Carrying a lot, Alexander. Great
Now back to Valeria
The sugar bowl? - What did he say?
Dunno. The sugar bowl
Like it? - Yeah. It's neat
Keep it. It's a heirloom
If he likes it, he can have it
Don't give it all away
At my age... Which reminds me
I loved the Charles Juliet book
It's his life?
It's so movingly written. I wept
Here. Read this
Tell me if I should throw it out
Don't get up. - Let him, Mom
I'm glad you agreed to move, Dad
For you. A gift. - For me?
For no reason? - Yes. Open it
You're nuts! This costs a fortune!
I sold a sculpture
It's so you can keep writing
Not with this! - Sure, with this
Anyway, your other pen leaked
Thanks. - Like it? - And how!
What does my little hand do?
It strokes...
It hits...
It pinches...
It tickles...
What does my hand do? It strokes...
Cathy, come look
Was he hit? - He bled. It's a bruise
Silence! Continue with Cathy
You have to explain this to me, Jimmy
You're all red here
Your head's all red and blue
Did you fall out of bed?
Did you bang your head?
No? You sure?
Who did this to you?
Whisper it in my ear. Just me
Who? - Uncle
Good, son
He wasn't punched. He was thrown
He has bruises all over his body
Blue marks on his arms...
Can you tell me what you told Daniel?
It's very important
Tell her what you told me
Tell me. It's very important
Back to class. On your own, big boy
He's too wound up. It'll take time
But I'll file a report
This "uncle" is his Mom's companion
It won't be easy
I know
It's a rough year
Last year incest cases, but this...
You just saved a kid's life
Shit...
Was it you? I'm sure it was you
Not even the balls to admit it!
C'mon, say it to my face!
Say I hit him!
Let go! You sure it's me?
Stop meddling with our lives!
We'll call the cops!
You're lucky she's here
They took Jimmy away yesterday
Gendarmes in a blue van. Like thieves
As if I was nothing. A criminal
Who'll get me my kid back?
Who'll get him back to me?
You've got nothing to be proud of
One thing I'll never be:
A social worker
The creep slashed my tire!
Not only a social worker
Not a teacher, either
This may not be the time or place,
but I want to marry you
It just came out
There she comes!
Hello, Mrs Delacourt!
I can't kiss everybody. You, yes
I'll put on more weight
Have some coffee
Don't stand there. Have a seat
They promised a City employee
3.5 tons of sand! It's hard labor!
Build your muscles! - Do I need to?
What d'you want to do? Mix them? OK
We take the bottles: Green, yellow...
No, leave those over there. Take these
What a surprise!
We baked cakes. You can sell them
lt'll make money for the school
That's a great idea!
And candy for the children
Sophie, put these in the fridge
I'll try one first
Mrs Baudoin?
I wanted to thank you for Estelle
They found out she's deaf, left ear
I'm sorry for everything I said to you
You should thank Mr Lefebvre
He got the checkup for the kids
Mrs Dupuy would like to see you
I wanted to thank you for Estelle
Brice, Sylvia, come on, you're ready
So, Nicolas
Running off when you have to get dressed
Are you really leaving us?
You say things sometimes...
No... Not a director like you!
What's this costume?
It's so she's part of the party
"Some things can never be erased
"They're in the flesh. They speak
"They're in the soil"
You son wrote that. - Daniel?
"It's in the soil
"A pile of stones, placed one by one
"The hands of our forebears
"The total sum of their patience
"built piles against the night
"and hung moonlight from them
"To stand upright
"To invent mountains and go sledding
"To feel we've reached the stars
"We'll tell our children it was hard"
A pile of stones, placed one by one
The hands of our forebears
The total sum of their patience
built piles against the night
and hung moonlight from them
Stand upright. Invent mountains
To feel we've reached the stars
We'll tell our children it was hard
but our fathers were lords
and this is their legacy: A pile of
stones and the courage to lift them
"IT ALL BEGINS TODAY"