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Poster for The Class

The Class

Seen it?

2008 | 128 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (95% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 8 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Teacher and novelist François Bégaudeau plays a version of himself as he negotiates a year with his racially mixed students from a tough Parisian neighborhood.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    95% on Rotten Tomatoes, 92 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Cannes award: Palme d'Or. Won 1 Independent Spirit Award: Best Foreign Film. Also nominated for 1 Oscar. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $29 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 27K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Laurent Cantet

  • François BégaudeauFrançois Marin, head teacher
  • Arthur FogelArthur, student
  • Damien GomesDamien, student
  • Esmeralda OuertaniEsmeralda, student
  • Rachel RegulierKhoumba, student
  • Louise GrinbergLouise, student
  • Rabah Nait OufellaRabah, student
  • Franck KeïtaSouleyman, student
  • Agame Malembo-EmeneAgame, student
  • Angélica SancioAngélica, student