This award winning film by Nicolas Philibert documents a present-day, rural, single classroom school in Puys-de-Dome, Auvergne.

The lazy opening shots, showing a minibus picking up the pupils for school, set the scene (unmistakably French) but not the pace for the whole documentary. Within minutes most of the audience was crying with laughter as they viewed a writing lesson for the school's 4 year old pupils - which became even funnier when the children were asked to judge each other's work (children certainly can be cruel!).

However, the film is quick to juxtapose the tears and the smiles, especially when it lightly touches on why the children have the personalities that they do. Julien is eager to use fisticuffs because his mother also doesn't hesitate in hitting him; Olivier is sensitised and quick to cry because of a critically ill father. Another issue that is dealt with in the film, though probably not in enough detail, is whether it is really valuable for these children - mostly destined to take over family farms - to have a classical education. It becomes evident however, when we see the children's parents pathetically attempting to help them with their homework, that a basic understanding of the core subjects would definitely be of benefit!

Although the delightful children steal the show it is the teacher, Georges Lopez, who is truly inspirational. Having taken some persuasion to participate in the documentary, Georges shines as a calm, diplomatic leader who is eager to better the children. What is astounding is that he can manage to teach pupils aged 4-11 in all subjects in one classroom, even with the added excitement of a camera for them to play up to. Although Georges tries to give equal time to every pupil he obviously has his favourites - the naughty but adorable Jo-jo and the socially retiring Nathalie.

Sadly for us, but happily for the children, the school year draws to a close with the end of the film. Georges loses his composure as he says goodbye to his pupils, some of whom will not return the next year, and the audience certainly shares his resignation in letting the children go home on this last day.

Etre et Avoir is a wonderful, warm and innocent film that every parent and teacher must see and that is highly recommended to everyone else. An added bonus is that subtitles can generally be ignored by anyone who considers that their French is on a par with a 4 year old's!

Lucy Moore, 28.07.03