Movie review: "The Class" (2008)

The gist: At an ethnically diverse, inner-city high school, François teaches textbook French to streetwise students who repeatedly question its relevance. He allows them to challenge his statements and each other's, but insists they explain their reasons and open themselves to criticism. It's a dangerous game. The amount of friction in the classroom means spirited discussions can quickly descend into personal attacks, forcing François to play the authority card. When things go too far, the teacher's career and future of one of his charges hang in the balance.

Selling points: Intensity – the home lives of the characters are never shown, only their uneasy time together; the closest we get to a respite is the staff-room scenes. Realism – it's semi-autobiographical and the kids are actual students, not actors. Quality – otherwise it wouldn't have won the Cannes Film Festival's top honour, the Golden Palm. Depth – although the 130-minute duration may be a negative if you can't get past the subtitles. Shock – ultimately, François must confront an educator's worst nightmare, and it doesn't involve sex or violence.

It's nothing like: "Dead Poets Society".

Final word: Scenes from the class struggle.

[Australian cinema release date: January 22, 2009]