Ça commence aujourd'hui (1999)
Directed by Bertrand Tavernier

Film Review

The poor are always with us and in this film Bertrand Tavernier reminds us that, even in this age of unrivalled prosperity, that grim adage is still true.  For those coming from comfortable middle class backgrounds this film is an eye-opener and injects a healthy dose of social awareness into our consciousness.  Technological and economic advances have improved the lives of many but, appallingly, there are a minority who slip through the net and end up in a life without purpose, money or hope.

The film makes its point without lecturing or condemning its audience.  It has a documentary feel, lacking a clear narrative structure, with some frenetic photography (from Tavernier's use of a hand-held camera).   Far from being off-putting, this approach works remarkably well and the film is an absorbing work from start to finish.

The innocent little world which the schoolmaster Daniel (sympathetically played by Philippe Torreton, who starred in Tavernier's previous stark war film Capitaine Conan (1996)) creates for his children is contrasted superbly with the mean world which adults create for them outside the school grounds.  Many of the children live in absolute squalor, and this is in stark contrast to the colourful, comforting haven afforded by the classroom.  It is ironic that whilst Daniel attempts to preach his ideals to the outside world, others (his step-son, the school inspector and others) should attempt to destroy the happy world he has created in his school.

Despite some harrowing and genuinely shocking moments, the film tackles its subject with a naïve optimism.  One point it makes repeatedly is that it is within the power of individuals to make a difference.  The majority will be too apathetic or too caught up with rules and regulations to bother, but a few Daniel Lefebvres can brings some sunshine where darkness reigns.  And one of these Daniel Lefebvres might be you.

Film Synopsis

Daniel Lefebvre is the head teacher of a primary school in a socially deprived town in the north of France.  He lives with Valeria, a metal sculptress.  The region has been badly hit in recent years by the closure of the mining works.  Many people have lost their jobs and families are struggling to keep going on a barely adequate subsistence income.  The local authorities are limited in the help they can provide since their budgets have been severely cut.  Daniel is both dismayed and angered by the failure of social services to meet the demands of the local community, and increasingly he finds he is effectively doing their job for them.  When he sees for himself the conditions in which the children in his care have to live he is disgusted and does what he can to try to improve matters.  It is a tableau of despair but Daniel carries on the fight.  No one else seems to care...