Original subtitles

Shall we start?

Quiet!

One, two, three...

“There was a little man,

“pirouette, alouette

“There was a little man

“Who had a funny little house.

“His house was made of cardboard

“Pirouette, alouette

“The stairs were paper-made”

A story can unfold ilke a dream.

You don’t decide when to fall asleep, when to awaken.

And yet you keep going, you carry on.

You want to be caring,

help your character, take him by the hand.

But you just stand there, doing nothing.

Life goes by and you’ve done nothing.

IT ALL STARTS TODAY

“The pretty string got all untied, pirouette, alouette

“And the nose flew up high.

“A plane with jet engines, pirouette, alouette

“Caught the nose up in the sky.”

I know you’re tired,

but I must see your baby. I have to weigh him.

I’m here to help you.

- He’s around. - Where, Mrs Féron?

He’s around, I said. Stop needling me!

How long since you’ve fed him?

- He’s not bawling. - He’s too weak to.

Don’t you have anything better to do?

Damn the baby! Always have to change and feed it!

I’m flat broke. So get off my ass!

- I’m calling an ambulance. - Do what you like!

Sit up straight, Guillaume.

Easy does it. That’s it.

Good.

No good. Don’t point at your shoe.

You just say: “Please, Daniel, tie my shoe.”

Go on, fella.

Mind your own business.

Ask and I’ll do it. Let’s hear the sound of your voice.

Go sit down.

What’s the matter?

He hits the other kids.

He punches them.

So, Kevin, nothing to say?

Won’t tell me? How do you say it nicely?

How do you ask?

I don ‘t ilke doors. Doors that open, doors that close.

Always the same void.

A void filled with cries, or absences.

A void that obstructs.

It’s the girl you take in a doorway

It’s a leave-taking, a homecoming, whatever...

One day, you retrace your steps.

What keeps us here?

Is it love?

Childhood?

Look how you’re dressed! You’ll catch cold.

I don’t believe it! Mrs Thiévaux, he’s wearing his pyjamas!

Under his clothes?

Every time I’m in a hurry!

Can you watch Laetitia Henry for me? I have a doctor’s appointment.

And I’m late... Be good.

Let’s go play until mommy comes.

Good, wash your hands, Laetitia.

Tuesday is couscous day.

Mr Lefebvre, she’s here.

Your mommy’s here.

Wiped your hands, honey?

Zip up. It’s cold out.

Bye, honey.

What’s the matter? Mrs Henry!

Was she...?

I had to turn my head, she reeked of wine.

Back inside...

If you can’t manage, call me.

He’s so filthy.

Shit.

The line’s cut.

I’m stuck with two kids and I’ve got work to do.

Call the police.

Are you serious? A baby and a 5-year-old at the station.

Look, those are the regulations.

There’ll be a report, which for Mrs Henry...

I know.

Then try Child Welfare Services.

Is the faucet still leaking?

Babysitting first, the faucet can wait.

I think she was drunk. And we’re stuck...

We’ve got a girl of 5 and a baby on our hands...

Excuse me?

But I told you: Daniel Lefebvre,

the Lagrange School in Hernain.

Take them to the poilce.

Hold on! There must be a better way.

It’s the Henry family. H-E-N-R-Y.

I have nothing on file.

You may have a number... a brother, a grandmother...

It’s better than the police.

I’m not authorized to give out confidential information.

She hung up on me!

I’m taking them home. Enough’s enough.

I’ll take the responsibility.

Wake up, Laetitia...

We’re going home.

You did a nice horse!

‘Evening, Mr Lefebvre.

‘Evening.

Next time, I buy a bus.

You may have to.

Wait, I’ll get the door.

The lock, Mr Lefebvre.

Vacation time?

No, school bus service.

- How’s your little brother? - Good.

Is he squirming?

A little?

“A little green mouse was running through the grass

“I caught it by the tail.

“I showed it to the gentlemen

“The gentlemen said, Dip it in some oil.

“Dip it in water. It’ll come out a nice warm snail.”

Is this it?

Wait on the sidewalk.

Yoo-hoo, we’re home!

It’s here.

The door’s open?

No light?

You OK, Mommy?

Leave us alone.

Leave us alone.

I’m the director of the Lagrange School.

I brought Mrs Henry’s kids home.

She’s not well. Know where her husband is?

In Belgium for a transport firm.

Damn.

- And the power? - It’s been cut for months.

They’re not the only ones.

We take the kids in when it’s too cold.

I’ll take them tonight.

That’s all I can do.

That’s nice of you, thanks.

I think of Mrs Henry’s broken windows,

and the cold.

30 years ago, my father crawled through the mine shafts.

The slag heaps rose skyward ilke in verted pits.

Only lunatics still dllmb them.

The innocents.

I know. Cathy phoned.

- What’s for dinner? - Rabbit in prune sauce.

Cool. Sounds good.

Pass me the garlic.

I’ve got a problem.

It’s Rimbaud...

“As I descended impassive rivers...

Bla bla... “Guided by the haulers...”

No.. .“I no longer felt myself guided by the haulers.”

“Screaming Redskins made them targets,

“Nailing them naked...”

It’s a different poem.

“I have my Gallic ancestors’ pale blue eyes, narrow brain,

“And clumsiness in combat.

“My clothes are as barbaric as theirs.

“But I don’t butter my hair...” I’ll skip the rest.

Let’s see.

- I have to give my impressions. -So?

It’s totally dumb.

If he butters his hair that’s his problem.

Damn, my dinosaur gained 4 ounces!

Our region’s future, I tell you, lies in tourism!

We must create a new image, put an end to Germinal.

“Nevermore tradition’s chains,” our opponents sang. We shall act!

We must be modern, hospitable, European.

Bathe our slag heaps in light. No more squeamish protectionism!

Let’s abide by the laws of the market.

Thanks to you, we out a pediatric nurse and a psychologist.

Don’t dramatize.

Know where you stand in the national average? At 93%!

“National average,” what’s that mean?

A meaningless, abstract figure.

One pediatric nurse for 250 newborn spells disaster here.

45% of our budget is earmarked for social services.

You call that abstract?

You saved millions on family planning,

but we at Child Welfare haven’t seen a cent.

And all those funds we released to fight delinquency?

And the social workers we sent into the field?

We started the bookmobile. Isn’t it a success?

But the solution’s not...

I know: “The solution’s not curing, it’s preventing.”

The situation’s clear...

Family planning gets badmouthed and closed down,

saving millions at the expense of the destitute.

Volunteers are left holding the bag.

And to create an illusion of progress, we invest:

We build, cut ribbons, sing the national anthem.

The job’s OK?

- Not too hard? -No.

Still a temp?

- 2 rooms or 3? - 3, with two bedrooms.

Nadir, your daddy’s here.

Can I help the lady? Her boy seems a bit wild.

Sure. Nadir was fantastic today.

And don’t skimp! Use lots of maroilles cheese.

The pie you buy is too dry.

Lots of cream, maroilles and pepper...

He hasn’t brought a snack in a month.

We have rules. If he brings nothing tomorrow I send him home.

I’m sorry.

I wanted to see you. Malaurie, honey...

She drank coffee again today.

She prefers coffee.

I told you 3 times: no coffee.

Audrey, honey... No wonder she’s wild.

She knows how to pick out words like “hedgehog”...

She’s making progress.

He spent the day looking at his new shoes.

You have very nice shoes.

Warren’s been a problem. I want to see his parents.

He fights with the girls, especially Margot.

Maybe you’re in love.

Go with your grandmother.

I’m Mrs Henry’s neighbor. It’s for Laetitia.

So you’re taking her home.

But see the director first.

Things better with Jeremy?

No! I’m fed up! I’m sending him to a foster home.

He’s 14. He needs exercise.

He’s a good-for-nothing.

Now, now... Class photo day after tomorrow! Dress them up.

I’m taking the kid.

You met my husband yesterday.

No problem. Just sign her out.

What a pretty scarf! It looks nice on you, honey.

You’re a real princess.

- Mrs Henry’s OK. - If not, get in touch.

Can I bring the baby for the photo?

Sure.

You’re in great shape!

So it seems. But we almost lost it.

Touch it for good luck.

Can I see you a minute, Mrs Bry?

The school fund’s not obligatory, but you’re two payments behind.

If everyone did like you, how would we get by?

What do you think the money’s for?

It helps us pay for Christmas gifts, Easter eggs, a few snacks.

I don’t enjoy asking for money.

I’m not paying off my car with it.

$5 a term, it’s not asking for much.

I finish my month on $5!

But today’s the 23rd!

The four of you don’t live a week on $5!

Yes, we do! I buy milk and dry biscuits.

We soak them in the milk.

It keeps us going for a week.

I’ll work something out.

Say, I had to calm Mrs Prével down.

She says you pulled Julien’s hair.

Now he comes to school crying.

She’s being naive.

He’s a monster. It’s draining.

I know how you feel.

But you really pulled his hair?

He exhausted my patience.

There are always kids we can’t stomach.

Let’s admit it: they’re not all angels.

I didn’t realize what I was doing.

It happens to all of us.

And when it does, it’s best to talk about it.

We’re trained to suppress those feelings. So a problem child

ends up a scapegoat.

Julien moved 4 times in 3 years.

Really?

At training college, they said I’d be more like a social worker.

They tell you that now?

That’s good! What else?

Nothing. They just say it.

Lice are a problem.

I haven’t the right to give them shampoos with Kwell.

It’s considered a drug.

Anyway, it does no good.

The whole family’s lice-ridden.

They live in filth. Call the social services.

I did, 4 months ago. They said they’d do something.

We have to show more initiative. Expel the child.

Sure, it’s in the regulations.

And why not kids with runny noses?

You louse!

These meetings are all very well, but why bother?

The toilets are in a deplorable state.

And the wash room faucet!

And the gastroenteritis!

And the heat is broken again.

I reported it to the city and the school board.

You really have to fight a lot to obtain a little.

We’re fed up, so I propose we draft a petition...

and send it to the mayor and the press.

I’m all for it.

I can help you draft it, but officially, I don’t know a thing.

If they find out, it won’t help matters.

So what do you suggest?

I’m for it, but there are bigger problems, like overcrowding.

And with more problem families,

the city can do nothing.

This should be a Priority District:

25 to a class and additional resources.

But it’s up

to the high school principal to request priority status.

Not easy.

I don’t understand. Why won’t she?

It gives a bad image.

So, do we do a petition?

But I warned you.

And if we wish Michele happy birthday?

I was at City Hall. They said you’d be here.

Do you know Mrs Henry?

The wino?

- We have a fish special. - Fine.

Forget about the electric company. They won’t budge.

Especially Mrs Etchabery. A bitch!

Take the Dauby family: two young kids, mid-winter...

Even the senator got involved. Nothing doing. No one cares!

Did you try Child Welfare?

They hung up on me.

“Confidential”! What’s so confidential?

Everybody knows they’re in the shit.

I can put together a care package.

But the mother has to pick it up. Regulations!

She’ll never come!

Regulations.

They have to show their good will, a sense of responsibility.

This could go on for years!

I’m sure the girl goes hungry.

- And school meals? - Too expensive.

Those kind blow aid money on booze.

“Those kind” have a baby and a 5-year-old.

So what can we do, now?

OK, I can’t see to everyone.

I’ll apply for assistance.

But you have to wait a bit.

10 meals at $2, that makes $20.

Say it’s from the City.

Hands in the air!

Hands!

Covered in paint!

Someone’s here...

I told you no. Especially if it’s a rep...

It’s not. And Mrs Mériaux is here...

Mrs Mériaux!

Just looking...

Sure, sure. You’ll see her at 4:20.

All right already, I’m going!

Next time I’ll really lose my temper.

Goodbye, Mrs Mériaux!

Mrs Duhem...

I heard about the Henry family. I wasn’t in. I’m sorry.

It’s absurd that a case worker

just hangs up on me like that when I’m stuck with a kid.

- We’re snowed under. - As usual!

This has often happened before.

It’s hell to get you here.

I report problem cases, you do nothing.

Like the 4-Year-Olds’ Checkup!

It’s always put off. No doctors, no nurses...

It’s intolerable, you hear, intolerable!

Enforce the law, dammit!

We’re doing our best, but...

We should be working together.

For children, nothing’s confidential.

Until all the problems are ironed out,

you people won’t set foot in here again. Goodbye!

I’m sorry, goodbye!

What’re you looking at me like that for?

The problem’s settled.

- If you say so. - I do! The colored labels...

They did nicely with the cross-tabulation table!

Bravo. It’s always a nightmare for me.

Too much noise in here!

Tomorrow, Mrs Delacourt...

You really flew off the handle!

We’re in for it, if the inspector hears.

You had a good report, you’ll get your stripes.

I know those inspectors. They’ll fix your wagon.

Did you see how Laetitia lives?

Yes, she sleeps in her hat and mittens because of the cold.

You see?

20 years ago, I had 45 pupils.

We didn’t complain. 45 pupils!

We had discipline. They came to school on time.

And they were clean.

And it’s not that there was no poverty.

It’s all changed now.

I have 30 pupils but I can’t cope.

They arrive late, and they’re filthy.

The parents are often in desperate straits.

Few of them are working.

The children don’t know what working means.

Worse, it’s like they have only me they can talk to.

Hope?

It’s not to tell myself they’ll make it to college.

I don’t believe that now.

It’s just to give them some affection,

because I’m attached to them.

That’s the only hope I have left.

If you could see the kids... they’re in a sorry state!

So small,

so vulnerable.

The mothers don’t tend to them like in the past.

It’s as if they want to be rid of them.

They send their kids to school sick!

They stick the kids in front of the TV at night to have some peace,

even during dinner. So now, we have to teach them everything.

Even to say hello.

And not only that...

Some of them don’t even know how to talk to people.

For them, words are for saying: “I’m hungry. I’m cold. I’m thirsty.”

It’s survival.

Did you hit her?

Shit! I forgot.

You can do better.

Drinks for all, Dad. Daniel raised hell again!

Meaning, on the house?

A beer.

Serve him a beer.

- Your mommy in? - She’s asleep.

This is for her. And you, too.

Can I put this here?

Did you get a look?

It’s nice to say something.

You can call me Daniel.

- The same? Who’s winning? - We are!

We even have Gregory who came despite a foot operation.

First shot!

It’s not normal.

That’s Mrs Bry.

Hello, Wendy.

Give me a little kiss?

No kiss?

This is Valeria.

What’s your name?

Sulky Wendy.

Even the birthday cookies.

The times I’ve requested a real lock!

They even tore up the class pictures.

Any idea who did it?

Local kids. No need to look far.

They took the VCR, the TV and even my camcorder.

Bad luck...

So what did you come for?

Run the usual fingerprint check.

I did it for you: for the insurance.

No breaking and entering, no cash!

With the windows I smash, I could cash in as a glazier.

There’s no class today.

Have to clean up.

But it’s dangerous, there’s glass all over.

- Robbers? - Yes, robbers.

Can anyone give us a hand?

- What happened? - We were vandalized.

- Did you explain? - Yes, we’re working something out.

Her mother dropped her off. She didn’t know.

- You know her? - I can take her.

Aren’t you insured?

Sure. It’s all insured. But right now we have nothing.

And it was my camcorder.

We saved a piece for you.

Thanks. You shouldn’t have.

My husband.

So you’re a truck driver?

I run material to work sites now.

Would you come explain your job to the kids?

Me? I wouldn’t know how.

Sure, you can. Show them how a truck works. Kids love that.

But it’s not my truck.

I can work it out with your boss.

Would you like your Daddy to bring his big truck to school?

Mr Lefebvre,

we’ve got some help here.

- Just a second. - I’ll get you a broom.

Did the City contact you?

- They want to see us. - And?

We’d rather manage on our own.

You know, if I find 4 days of work,

I lose my benefits.

That’s for unemployment...

Unemployment, the city, they’re all alike.

Always checking up on us.

It’s not our fault if we have no work.

They’ll take our kids away.

That’s not why they contacted you.

So, they took your camcorder?

We need you!

I have to go.

Don’t worry.

Marc, tell me. The Henry notice is just for the care package?

You’d better let them know. They’re scared stiff.

Sure, they’re right to be scared. I won’t keep you...

- Making headway? - Not much. Gotta scrub.

That’s a yogurt stain.

We’ll never make it.

It’s happened twice before.

It makes me sick.

I’m from Child Welfare.

Wasn’t I clear with Mrs Duhem?

I let you in when you start tackling the real problems.

Sorry. ‘Bye! Gotta call a spade a spade!

- Someone’s ringing. - I know.

Aren’t you getting it?

It’s still ringing!

It may be the plumber.

Do that again and I’ll keep ringing until you let me in.

I know we hung up on you. Yes, it’s intolerable!

That’s no reason to play Rambo. Especially with a broom.

And I think you could use some help.

Samia Damouni. Pediatric nurse. I started last month.

Can’t control your pupils?

Very funny.

Know how many we are here?

4 for over 4,000 people.

Including 300 problem families.

We need twice as many nurses.

We have one doctor for 5,000 children.

We do the checkup when we can.

- That’s illegal. - Sure, it’s illegal.

But nobody gives a damn!

Starting with many of your colleagues.

We’re no better. Some of us lie low

and leave the dirty work to others.

You saying I have to wait 5 more years?

With the stink you made, you may get the checkup soon.

But with a bonus thrown in, like in a box of detergent:

The Inspector’s summons.

This thing’s got him wired.

As usual.

As usual.

But you know...

This ruckus may help us speed things up.

These drawings are wonderful.

I did a show last year.

Lolita did that. A bit wild. You can tell from the colors.

Dylan. That’s Wendy... a bit sadder. Clayton.

Dylan, Wendy, Clayton: we’re in Texas.

No, The Young the Restless...

Michael dumps Pamela who meets Jack... A registrar’s nightmare!

I shouldn’t complain. Mrs Liénart has Starsky & Hutch, twins!

I’ve had it with your bulishit!

Thefts, smashed-up phone booths, slit tires...

We get 50 calls a week!

It’s always punks your age, 12 and 13-year-olds,

who knock around, whose parents neglect them.

What were you gonna do with the VCR and TV?

Tell me?

Every jobless family here has a TV!

Look how filthy you are!

Didn’t you learn to wash?

You mug old ladies and shoplift.

And now you sack a school. There are no limits.

You’re deadbeats! Good for nothings!

Prison is what’II you get! Prison!

The crane opens. It comes forward, then opens.

It picks up things.

That’s a crane? It’s high.

It’s like magic.

Me! Me!

What can we put in it?

Straw!

It was a good idea.

I think they enjoyed it.

Lindsey, hold Brice’s hands.

Can I see you a minute?

Don’t give me your bulishit. Come out!

I’ll break the door in.

I told you I didn’t go inside!

- I wanted to play a joke. - A joke!

You’ve got a pea for a brain!

All that matters are your dinosaurs and stupid video games!

Come out now before I break the door in.

But I didn’t go in.

You’re not my father!

Can I see you a minute?

What’re you doing here?

Look at your face...

I feel awful.

I slapped Rémi. He was with the punks

- who wrecked my school. - Remi? It can’t be!

The cops told me.

It was to play a joke on me. He slipped them the key. A joke!

I couldn’t help it. I slapped him.

You shouldn’t have. Why didn’t you call me?

Why? I don’t know.

Because I’m stupid.

Because I screw up. Because your kid hates me.

Stop talking nonsense.

Is Rémi alone?

Yes, but he’s OK.

I can’t believe it!

Don’t worry. Shall we go?

Daniel, you lock up.

Want to talk?

Who do you hang out with?

Those kids are thugs!

Answer me, why’d you do it?

You want to ruin our life? Screw everything up?

You get a kick out of hurting Daniel?

Dammit, Mom! Screw those guys!

But their real dads hit ‘em.

- I don’t know mine. - Don’t start!

You always pull that on me!

It’s too easy.

Who’s my Dad?

I have a right to know.

Your father doesn’t exist. He’s the dregs.

Why fuck him, then?

Your mother didn’t fuck.

I was 17, young, I felt good dancing in his arms. That’s all.

It’s not all! I was born. His son!

You’re not! You’re nothing to him!

All he wanted was for me to get an abortion!

That’s the truth!

When I said I wouldn’t: nothing, blackout!

I didn’t try to see him again.

Say, you really caused a stir!

Take kids home and see what it gets us?

I’m knotting my tie. Duhem’s here!

I called you at the Minister’s request.

He wants to revive the dialogue between you,

school directors, and the related social services.

A difficult dialogue,

to judge from incidents in this district...

I won’t mention names.

In the meantime, to foster better coordination,

I’ll ask the various social services to define their tasks.

It can only help.

He’s dodging the issues.

Who will begin?

I’m a social worker: Karine Duhem.

I see to problem families and I work in the field.

I often deal with serious problems:

hygiene, health, alcoholism, incest,

domestic violence... The list is long.

The Inspector - whom I wish to thank for this meeting -

rightly pointed out that our difficult work

is aggravated by certain teachers,

who play the social worker...

I take issue with that remark.

No, hold on, Mr Lefebvre...

The social services have the floor. This isn’t a talk show.

Let them say what they have to. Thank you.

Smoking here brings back memories.

Some coordination meeting!

You have to listen to people who think they’re accountable to no one.

Sure, it’s pointless.

Anyway, we’re not social workers.

On the Gauss Curve it’s the middle that counts.

They can still be saved. The others are a lost cause.

We can’t play God. We’re underpaid as it is.

Your Gauss Curve is crap.

I have nothing but problem kids.

While society implodes, we gather around the Leader

to hear the Gospel... What a waste of time!

We’re not running an ambulance service.

You can’t just deal with problem kids.

So we throw half in the trash and see what we can do with the others?

But the trash can’s growing. It’ll blow up one day.

It’s easy to blame others.

I have a computer class, a school paper, class trips to Paris.

Methods that work.

Methods! Remember Laurent and his strait jacket?

Maybe you saved 10 or more with your curves.

But Laurent may end up killing himself or someone else.

Lots of kids are on the edge. No one talks to them.

All they ask is for someone to listen to them, look at them.

To the man who’s put up with my girl for 2 years!

“He is truly, He is truly phenomenal...”

Go to Daniel. Be nice. It’s my birthday.

Go talk to him.

You’re not my buddy!

They closed the mines. The rolfing mills.

Men show children the apple-tree-fined road,

the brick- warmed sky,

the carp’s round belly.

Water flows in the woods.

We pass as if the earth would make us

stronger. Humbler.

Snow fills out the bodices.

Crows dance with fairies.

There’s Mormal and the hidden ponds.

Virgins buried under the chapel stones.

20 poplars stand at the village gates.

The 1st month, he had a doctor’s certificate.

But it’s only good for a week,

not three.

Joel is delicate.

32 pupils are hard enough.

So how do I fight for your son to come regularly?

We understand.

Then why don’t you bring him to school every day?

We stopped setting the alarm.

Without work, there’s nothing to get up for.

We don’t feel like it.

Then it’s too late.

Excuse me. It’s for the milk.

Be right there.

I understand.

It’s tough.

But if you throw in the towel, what can I do?

I’ll dismiss Joel from school.

He’s the one who loses out.

You haven’t the right to give up.

Force yourselves to get up. Take him to school.

Kindergarten isn’t a pastime.

I teach the basics of reading and writing.

That’s important.

It’ll help him in elementary school. He won’t fall behind.

Some days, it’s just too much.

Your Joel is terrific.

Yes, almost!

Good, Cassandra.

Go on, show me.

You’re blocking him. Get in line.

Basketball’s harder.

Try it like this...

Bravo, Maxime!

In the toilets. It’s serious.

I’ll watch the children.

Well?

Show Mr Lefebvre your back.

Allison, Fabrice, go outside.

Sit on the bench. That’s good.

What happened, Jimmy? Did you fall?

Who hurt you?

Nobody.

Nobody? You sure?

Did you fight with someone?

What do you think?

I can’t say.

Let me see your back again.

The bruises are lighter.

It’s not enough for a report.

You have to tell me if anyone hurts you. OK?

No one has the right to hurt you. No one.

Not me, not Cathy, not Mommy or Daddy, no one.

No one has the right to hurt you.

The title, “Balloons in the Sky.” On which photo?

Fine! Go on, do it. Which title?

Look at the word, Kelly.

- What’s this word? - “Balloon.”

“Gifts of the sea.” Where does it go?

Mom!

- Where is he? - By the dovecot.

Dad!

Hit him! He’s choking. Hit him!

Do something! He’s choking!

He’s going to die!

Coming along?

I’ll stay here. This way, he’ll be back.

Call your brother?

Copy machines sell well now.

I sold 30 around Le Havre.

That’s nice.

You should come work with me.

Your father’s better. You can see him now.

No smoking, please.

Valeria!

Turn that off! My father just had a stroke.

- My Dad had a stroke. - I heard you.

He’s in reanimation now.

Is that all you care?

Yeah. That guy screwed up your life.

He’d beat you unconscious.

And he always insulted me.

So? You expect me to cry?

But he’s still my father.

I’m thirsty. Want some?

That’s how she is, you know.

I’ll have some, after all.

To your health.

That’s how she is.

Are you angry?

I won’t say that again.

Can I see what you wrote?

Your father comes home next week.

Did he say anything?

He’s too exhausted.

No one came to see him.

He hasn’t talked to anyone in years.

You don’t need an oxygen bottle just to go to the toilet.

This tastes like mud.

It’s your father’s coffee.

Miner’s coffee, not teachers’.

Can you fix the living room outlet?

What, again?

It’s time to move out of here.

I told you: your father won’t leave the mining village.

It’s his whole life here.

Read Charlotte Delbo first.

“She combs the snow ilke winter

“that falls about her breast and face.

“Love sIis through her hair and fingers.

“A multitude lying in blood.

“She combs the snow.

“The way is long through the fields.

“She combs the snow, yes.

“She prays, if praying is this newfound slowness, this surprise.

“Gentleness of tears in hands and voice,

“Gentleness of being nothing in the most serene seconds.”

“I drew a monstrous thing. It had a hump and a big opening,

“Antennas and braids, And mittens and band-aids.

“It has one green eye and 3 hairy feet.

“I coudn’t face it and I tried to erase it

“But I couldn’t chase it.”

Very good.

Opheline...

Goodbye, Daniel, bon appetit.

I was in the sector.

I brought you the forms, for the checkup.

May 5. How’s that?

I’m dreaming!

And I’ve only been here 3 months.

Sensational!

A problem, Monique?

A new ruling: no school lunch without tickets.

The Mayor’s in a meeting!

You’ve deprived 2 kids of lunches!

- Do I take them to MacDo’s? - Leave us.

They need to eat.

The Municipal Council voted it. It had no choice!

It’s costing us too much money.

It’s only $4.

$4 multiplied by hundreds of families.

Some owe 5 months.

We’re feeding their kids free.

And kids who aren’t fed?

I won’t be preached at! I have a 34% unemployment rate.

I inherited a bad situation. I’d love a solution.

25% of my budget is social.

8 schools, no money, no jobs!

I’m fighting for emergency funding.

- I wrote the Minister. - What about the kids?

It’s up to their parents.

You...

A communist mayor!

Communist, nothing!

There are things I can and cannot do.

The old paternalism is political now.

“I need a job, Mr Mayor, I need a flat...”

If not: they vote far right. I’m no medecine man!

Another cut line.

We’ll contact the parents tonight.

Come eat before it’s all gone.

The chips are good.

Eating it up?

Scares you, eh?

She’ll get ketchup on her.

She didn’t want crêpes. She prefers her mom’s cake.

But Kevin ate 3.

That’s nice. He never eats at home.

He’s had too many homes. Foster homes...

Spare me.

Mrs Henry!

I have a problem. No more lunches without tickets.

- They helped you last month. - That’s true.

There’s been some abuse. I don’t mean you!

I’ll see what I can do. My husband just got paid for a job.

That’s good.

Mrs Delacourt’s pleased with Laetitia. She’s more confident.

So you wrote your whole name yesterday?

Watch your brother.

Can I speak to you?

I got this paper. I don’t quite understand it.

It must be for the electricity.

No, the rent. It’s a garnishment notice.

To withhold part of your income.

$1 ,265 for bailiff’s fee!

They’re gonna take money?

On the 3rd: $380. It says so here.

But I saw someone at City Hall!

We need time. We haven’t had power in 6 months.

- And the mini-meter? - They said no.

Unbelievable!

How will I manage?

Where are the clouds?

Let’s see some big clouds.

Do your dance again.

I want to reach a new public,

exhibit in factories, schools, underprivileged areas,

where they don’t know sculpture.

Listen to them, work with them.

Even if they say it stinks, at least, there’s an exchange.

You can eat guinea fowl on your diet?

Absolutely.

The union form came back blank. Am I the only union member here?

It’s useless. I was unionized for 10 years.

They help in certain domains.

Sure, for our pay raises.

But they’re interested in their privileges.

Plus, we get ranked as qualified schoolteachers.

You mean I’m unionized just to be qualified?

No, to earn $200 more a month.

What commitment!

Should we sing The International?

You remember it?

How’s the wine?

My honest opinion?

These three are fine.

Anaise Doise?

She worries me. She has dizzy spells. She even fell once.

Her sight and hearing seem normal.

Did you suggest a doctor?

Yes. They probably didn’t go.

We’ll make a note:

“Must make

“appointment

“with family doctor to do scanner.”

Not bad.

- Estelle Dupuy. - A real problem.

When I call her in the hall, she doesn’t respond.

And she talks like a baby.

I noticed that too.

I told her parents but they got annoyed:

“Why not say our daughter’s deaf!”

Write on the bulletin: “Audiogram.”

“See ENT specialist.”

I’ll stay in touch with the parents.

Your mommies are coming. Sit down.

The fabulous Jean-Baptiste!

You were fine today.

Shake!

- Well? - We won.

And the checkup isn’t mandatory.

You’re kidding.

Only to get into first grade.

But with all the ministerial and regional directives

nobody knows better. That’s how you scared them

and pushed it through.

The Henrys got a garnishment notice for their rent.

I don’t believe it! But I spoke to the litigation services!

Here’s the school fund.

I’ll put it on the books.

If it isn’t Aurelie!

What’s this?

No kiss now that you’re in grade school?

She had a straight A report card.

You were right to insist.

She’s shy, but she gets by. But this one’s another story.

Know what Remi’s report card said?

“Might pass in the year 2021 .“

It’s not funny. It’s humiliating. It made him cry.

It won’t motivate him.

- Saw the teacher? - I tried to, four times.

I don’t get it.

You give the parents time in kindergarten. Then, nothing.

That hurts the fish!

Their mouths are like fingertips: no sensation.

It should happen to you!

Don’t spoil my afternoon.

I’ll cover my eyes.

Right. Give me a kiss.

It’s biting! Come quick!

Stay calm! I’m coming!

Lower. I’ll reel it in.

Take a deep breath...

The net! Quick!

Pull!

Do it yourself. I can’t look.

Closer, closer.

Bring it in easy.

Come to daddy.

It’s heavy!

It tore the net. It’s a monster!

- And now what? - We put it back.

I hope so.

Want to watch?

Congrats, fella!

You’re an ace!

Get them back into class.

Two by two.

- Mr Inspector... - I won’t need you in the classroom.

Continue the kangaroo cutouts.

“Give me a kiss on the neck Lots and lots of little pecks”

Aurelie raised her hand.

- What is it? - The witch Krakasha.

Let’s listen to Aurelie.

“The witch Krakasha has a bag made of dust.

“It’s full of nightmares, bugs,

“naughty words and disgust, and naughty words...

“I don’t like the witch Krakasha.”

Now what’s this?

Pimpernilla!

“Pimpernilla, the queen caterpillar

“Lays her cocoon to make a butterfly.

“Pimpereyes, the king of butterflies,

“Cut off his beard, cut off his beard.

“Pimpereyes, the king of butterflies,

“Cut off his beard and chin in one slice.”

The scissor sound was nice. Now answer this question.

“How are things on Earth?”

“Fine, fine, thank you.”

Good... “Are the puppies full of mirth?”

They’re not, Nicolas?

Yes.

So? “Are the puppies full of mirth?”

“Why, yes, they are.”

“And the clouds?”

“Still rolling”... “And the volcanos?”

“Still boiling.”

“And the rivers?”

“Still rowing.”

Rowing?... “Still flowing.”

“And Time?”

“Still flying.” Very good.

- I said it. - Good, Kelly.

“And your soul?”

“It’s looking pallid.”

“The spring was too green. My soul ate too much salad.”

What do I do with it?

We add water? To do what? To write?

If I eat too much salad?

But I won’t.

Don’t stop.

Follow the arrows. Make the “r”.

The “r” in Brice.

That’s good, honey.

You can also change colors.

Yes, Sylvia?

What’s going on here?

Naturally, it’s Aurelien.

Concentrate on your own work.

My pen cap.

We’ll get it back later.

Are we cutting things out here?

You tore your paper, Lolita?

See you later, children.

So I witnessed the use of gestures

to find the words to a nursery rhyme.

A fine exercise in memory, motivity,

the articulation of language.

You handle feedback perfectly.

You know how to capture your audience.

The children clearly enjoyed this exercise.

On the other hand, you should avoid moving among groups.

You get dispersed that way.

I refer you to the study by Jocelyne Giassion.

The name’s a mouthful...

She argues how multitask learning

can lead to scholastic failure.

What do I do with the 3 other groups?

Make them self-reliant: A basic tenet of modern pedagogy.

Another thing, it’s important...

Be diligent about recording

each pedagogical aim.

School shapes knowledge

and it will help you prepare your evaluation booklets.

A few more things:

Don’t say, “It’s what?” but “What is this?”

And be more directive. They tend to overwhelm you.

As for your work as director... I’m here for that, too...

I won’t dwell on your war with the social services,

your buccaneering initiatives...

We can’t change a Maradona into an Anglican bishop!

Are you behind the petition circulating here?

It was the school council.

You involve the parents too much.

We’re told to.

Yes, but under my personal supervision.

You should be a mediator, not an agitator.

Two parents just complained you wouldn’t enroll their child.

I already have classes of 32.

It’s hard in this district.

Aren’t you for class reduction to 25?

Sure, sure. That’s not the question.

But I just want no more complaints.

But this was fine. I’ll think over your grade.

- Who’s that man? - The big boss.

Laetitia, your mommy’s here.

She was waiting for you.

Did you hear anything about the electricity?

Mr Lefebvre said he’d see to it.

I can’t say.

He’s in his office.

- How did it go? - Let’s change the subject.

Not even a goodbye!

Opheline’s sweater got lost again and her mother’s all worked up.

I need that leave of absence form!

I’ll fill it out myself.

Mrs Henry, I have no time now. You have to see Samia.

OK? Goodbye.

I haven’t time to see to it.

- I can do it. - Let’s do it now.

Of the 8 inspectors I had, only one knew the turf.

He was close to us.

I’d gladly sent the others to a slum district.

We don’t work for them.

My only promotion will be by seniority.

It’s been that way for 12 years.

The asshole won’t improve my rating.

I’m the director but I get the lowest mark.

Stop complaining!

What do you care about points and half-points?

It’s a stupid, childish system! They grade you like kids.

A bad grade means less money. It makes me look incompetent.

To whom?

To colleagues, secretaries,

pedagogical advisors!

Then go and lower yourself before your bosses! Before your father!

Why take risks?

Why dare to live your life? To breathe? Argue?

To get married, for instance?

To give me a child?

What time do I set the alarm for?

No answer? Then 6:30, as usual.

Leave me alone.

We’ll never make it, then.

Turn out the light. Can I go to sleep?

Lights off, it’s a boy, lights on, it’s a girl.

Sure you want a boy?

Keep it on!

There was enough Phenobarbital to kill the kids in 5 minutes.

Did you hear? It’s awful.

Want sugar?

I’m going to quit.

You know, you can love people, but you can’t help them.

Sorry.

But Mrs Henry drank! She never gave it up.

It’s too easy to say that.

I didn’t see it coming! I blew it.

Even for the meter!

I have 20 cases like hers.

Yes, but she’s dead.

There’s a law, dammit!

They can’t deprive people of heat and power in mid-winter!

They’re clever. They cut the power in the fall.

The meter wasn’t the cause.

Look, you come home with your kids. No light, you can’t cook.

It’s been like this for 8 months!

A whole winter freezing, watching your kids freeze!

You get depressed, you drink, and then, one night...

She had plenty of worries.

Rent, unemployment, complaints, losing her kids.

I’d have to see her 3 times a day! How could I?

Answer me? How could I?

Don’t give in, Daniel.

Don’t give in.

Come to dinner tonight?

I can’t. Another time.

If only I’d answered the phone, she’d have talked to me.

But the children...!

What about them?

Mrs Delacourt isn’t here. I took the kids in.

Speaking.

Take your time, Mrs Delacourt.

Right, have a good cry.

We all need to. It’s good for you.

Don’t worry, we’ll manage.

Is that Mrs Delacourt? Can I talk to her?

Gloria’s in charge. Take care.

Mrs Paquotte wants to talk to you.

Yes, I know.

Don’t worry. I’ll come by later. We’ll see about the dance.

The city’s sending money for a bus for the field trip.

That’s nice.

“In view of this tragedy, a member of each school

“is requested at the funeral of Mrs Lucie Henry

“and her children, Laetitia and Alexis.

“Please make the necessary arrangements...”

No one tried to help that woman.

Now they give her a 1st class funeral!

Not going would be worse.

It could help move things.

I’m not going!

You can’t do that!

Don’t get their backs up.

You go. I’m not stopping you.

You’ll find the right words.

You can replace me next year. I’m quitting.

He’s right.

“Whuddya say?

“- Said nuttin’.

“Whuddya do?

“- Dun nuttin’.

“Whuddya think?

“- Thought nuttin’.

“Why’d ya say nuttin’, do nuttin’,

“think nuttin’? - I dun exist.”

Shall we call our pal?

Leave Mr Lefebre alone.

You can’t go on like this.

Would Laetitia have liked to see you like this?

Would she have wanted you to give up?

And Opheline and Camelia and Kevin and the others...

I know what you have to do.

Remember the dress I made for Marc’s birthday?

The green dress with yellow and orange diamonds?

It made you laugh.

We’ll do the same with your school.

We’ll use the dress’s colors in the yard.

The schoolyard’s drab, all gray.

We’ll splatter it with color.

And the children will help us.

It’ll cost next to nothing! We’ll recycle materials.

Like used felt pens. We soak the cartridges

to extract the ink.

And in your playroom: 3 tons of sand.

3 tons of sand!

We recreate an Arabian desert, put up Berber tents.

Berber tents, from where?

We’ll use old sheets. The children can paint them.

They learn to create beauty out of nothing.

You’re spilling it, Nicolas!

Everyone pick a color.

You’re carrying a lot, Alexandre. Great!

Back to Valeria.

What about the sugar bowl?

This.

- Like it? - Yeah. It’s neat.

Keep it, it’s an heirloom.

If he likes it, he can keep it.

Don’t give it all away.

You know, at my age... That reminds me...

I loved the Charles Juliet book. It’s his life?

It’s movingly written.

Hold on...

Read this.

Tell me if I should throw it out.

I told you not to get up.

Let him, Mom.

I’m glad you agreed to move, Dad.

For you. A gift.

For me?

- For no reason? - For no reason. Open it.

You’re nuts! This costs a fortune!

I sold a sculpture.

It’s so you can keep writing.

Not with this!

Sure. Your other pen leaked. You looked like a dunce.

- Thanks. - Like it?

And how!

What does my little hand do? It strokes.

It hits...

It pinches...

It tickles...

What does my little hand do?

It strokes...

Cathy...

Come look.

Was he hit?

He was bleeding. It’s a bruise.

Silence! Continue with Cathy.

Tell me, Jimmy. You have to talk to me.

You see, you’re all red here.

Your head’s all red and bruised.

Did you fall out of bed?

Did you bang your head?

You sure?

Who did this to you?

Whisper it in my ear. Just me.

- Who? - Uncle.

Good, son. Good.

He wasn’t punched.

He was thrown against something.

He has bruises all over his body.

Can you tell me what you told Daniel?

It’s important.

Go on, fella. Tell her what you told me.

Say it again.

Say it again. It’s important.

Go back to class. On your own, like a big boy.

He’s too wound up. It’ll take time to get him to talk.

But I’ll file a report.

I know his “uncle”. It’s Mrs Deprès’s companion.

It won’t be easy.

I know.

It’s a rough year.

Last year I had incest cases, but now...

Now you just saved a kid’s life.

Was it you? I’m sure it was you.

Not even the balls to admit it!

C’mon, say it to my face! Say I hit him!

I hit him? C’mon, say it!

Shit!

Lay off us.

- Nosy bastard! - We’ll call the cops!

You’re lucky she’s here.

They took Jimmy away.

Gendarmes in a blue van. Like thieves.

As if I was nothing. A criminal.

You don’t know my life! Who will get my kid back?

I wouldn’t be so proud if I were you.

If there’s one thing I’ll never be, it’s a social worker.

The jerk slashed my tire!

And not only a social worker...

not a teacher, either.

This may not be the time or place, but I want to marry you.

It just came out!

Here she comes!

Hello, Mrs Delacourt!

I can’t kiss everybody. You, yes.

I’ll put on more weight.

Have some coffee.

Don’t stand. Have a seat.

They promised a city employee.

3 tons of sand! I’m a jailbird.

You’ll build your muscles.

Do I need to?

What do you want to do? Mix them?

We take the bottles: green, yellow...

Mix the colors.

What a surprise!

We baked cakes for the party. You can sell them.

It’ll make money for the school.

What a great idea!

And mint and spices for the children to taste.

Put these in the fridge.

I’ll try one, first.

Watch your figure.

Mrs Baudoin?

I wanted to thank you for Estelle.

They found out she was deaf in her left ear.

I feel stupid, after everything I said to you.

It’s nothing.

You should thank Mr Lefebvre. He got the checkup.

Mrs Dupuy would like to see you.

I just wanted to thank you for Estelle.

So, Nicolas...

Running off when you have to get dressed!

Are you really leaving us?

We say things sometimes...

Not a director like you.

That’s nice.

What’s this costume?

This way she’s among us.

“There are things they can never raze here.

“It’s in the flesh.

“It has a voice. It’s in the earth.”

Your son wrote that.

Daniel?

“It’s in the soil.

“A pile of stones, placed one by one.

“The hands of our forebears.

“The sum total of their patience. They fought the rain,

“built piles against the night

“and hung moonlight from them...

“To stand upright.

“To invent mountains and go sledding.

“To feel we’ve reached the stars.

“We’ll tell our children it was hard...”

“Piles of stones, placed one by one.

“The hands of our forebears. The sum total

“of their patience.

“They fought the rain,

“built piles against the night,

“and hung moonlight from them...

“To invent mountains and go sledding.

“To feel we’ve reached the stars.

“We’ll tell our children

“it was hard, but our fathers were lords.

“And this is their legacy:

“a pile of stones and the courage to lift them.”

I crouched down and he hugged me so tight.

He hurt me so much I cried, but that’s not what...

Subtitles: Nina Bogin & Lenny Borger

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