The Class (2009)

- 4 Eberts

I sat watching the first half hour of this movie thinking it was a documentary. I hadn't known it was one going in but as I started watching it I just assumed it was. After a half hour I checked the DVD cover and found out it was a movie. I was really surprised. The filming style was one thing. but the kids, and the teacher were so, so good.

The teacher, who wrote an autobiography on which the movie was based, played himself. The kids practiced for a year, just acting spontaneously. The results were amazing.

I think this is one of the most honest movies that I have ever seen. No one really comes off too good, which is rare for a movie based on an autobiography. The style of teaching that the teacher uses is boring. He is teaching past perfect tenses in a formal manner instead of having students acquire the skills in context. He verbally attacks some girls in a very inappropriate manner.

The movie can be used very effectively by teachers to evaluate curriculum and teaching styles. Roger really liked it and gave it 4 stars.