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 of cardboard"

Pirouette, alouette"

"The stairs were paper-made..."

A story can unfold like a dream

You fall asleep, then awaken

And yet you keep going

You want to be caring,

Help your hero, take him by the hand

But you just stand there doing nothing

Life goes by and you've done nothing

a film by Bertrand Taverier

IT ALL BEGINS TODAY

Phillipe Torreton

Maria Pitarresi

Nadia Kaci

Screenplay by Dominique Sampiero

Tiffany Tavernier Bertrand Tavernier

Directed by Bertrand Tevernier

The pretty string got all untied"

The string broke up"

And the nose flew up high"

A jet airplane"

"Pirouette, alouette

"Caught the nose up in the sky..."

"That's the end of my story

"Pirouette, alouette

"Ladies, gentlemen, give us a hand"

I must weigh your baby

I'm here to help you

He's around. - Where?

He's around. Stop needling me!

How long since you've fed him?

He's not bawling. - He's too weak to!

Why did you come?

Damn the baby!

Always change him, always feed him!

I'm flat broke, so get off my ass!

I'm calling an ambulance. - Whatever!

Sit up straight, Guillaume

Easy does it. That's it

Don't point at your shoe

"Say:"Please, Daniel, tie my shoe

Easy does it!

Go on, say it

Mind your own business

Ask and I'll do it

Ask me. Let's hear your voice

Go sit down

Go play in your corner

What's the matter?

He hits the others

Well, little guy?

So, Kevin, nothing to say?

How do you say it nicely?

How do you ask nicely?

I don't like 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

Someone leaving, someone coming back

One day, you retrace your steps

What keeps us here?

Is it love? Childhood?

Look at you! You'll catch cold!

I don't believe it!

He's still in his pyjamas!

Every time I'm in a hurry!

Can you watch Laetitia for me?

I have a doctor's appointment

and I'm late. Be good

Let's go play until Mommy comes

Wash your hands, Laetitia

Tuesday is couscous day

Mr Lefebvre, she's here

Your Mommy's here

Wiped your hands, honey?

Put this up

It's cold out

Bye, honey'

What's the matter? Mrs Henry!

Mrs Henry!

Was she...?

What else. She reeked of alcohol

Back inside

If you can't manage, call me

He's so filthy

Shit

The line's cut

Okay...

Now I'm stuck with two kids

That's all I needed

Call the police.

Are you kidding?

A baby and a 5-year-old?

Look, those are the regulations

There'll be a report, which for her...

I know. Try Child Welfare Services

Yes...

Is the faucet still leaking?

The kids first

The faucet can wait

OK. The Services

I think she was...

And we're stuck here with...

A girl of 5 and a baby on our hands

Excuse me?

But I told you!

Daniel Lefebvre, the Lagrange School

Take them to the police and...

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 or...

A grandmother's better than the police

There's a professional privilege

I can't give you any information

Unbelievable! 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

Are you awake?

You did a nice horse

Evening, Mr Lefebvre. - Evening

Next time, I buy a bus

You may have to

It's the sixth time

The lock, Mr Lefebvre

Vacation time?

No, school bus service

You're collecting your pupils?

It's clear, no? See you

In this foul weather...

Better not wait for next year

How's your little brother? - Good

He's okay?

Is he squirming? - Yes

A little?

"A little mouse ran in 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 some water

"lt'll come out a nice warm snail

"What did she do

"The little swallow

"She snatched from us..."

Is this it?

Wait on the sidewalk

You-hoo! We're home!

Come, little man

It's here

The door's open!?

No light? - No

You okay, Mommy?

Leave us alone

Leave us alone!

Excuse me, sir

I'm the director of Lagrange School

I brought Mrs Henry's kids home

She's not well. Where's her husband?

In Belgium for a transport firm

Damn

The power? - Been cut off for months

They're not the only ones

We take the kids in when it's 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

Years ago, my Dad crawled in the mine

The slag heaps rose skyward

like inverted pits

Only lunatics still climb them

I know. Cathy phoned

Stop it!

What's for dinner? - Rabbit in prunes

Cool. Sounds good.

Pass me the garlic, please

I've got a problem

It's Rimbaud

As I descended impassive rivers"

"Guided by the haulers..."

No."I no longer felt myself

"guided by the haulers

"Screaming Redskins made them targets"

"nailing them naked..." -No, another

"I have my Gaelic ancestors

"pale blue eyes

"narrow minds, 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

Butters his hair? That's his problem

"I have my Gaelic ancestors..."

Damn, my dinosaur gained 4 ounces!

Our region's future lies in tourism

We must create a new image,

and put an end to Germinal

"Nevermore tradition's chains"

our opponents sang. We shall act!

We'll be modern, hospitable, European

Bathe our slag heaps in light

No more protectionism!

Let's submit to the law of the market

Thanks to you, Mr Delaunay, we out

a pediatric nurse and a psychologist

Don't dramatize, eh?

Do you know your national average?

93 percent!

"National average"? What's that mean?

A meaningless, abstract figure

One pediatric nurse for 250 newborn

spells disaster here!

45% of our budget goes to social

services. You call that abstract?

You saved millions on family planning,

but we at Child Welfare

haven't seen a cent

And the funds to fight delinquency?

The workers we sent into the field?

What about the bookmobile?

It's a success, no?

But the solution's not...

I know. You told me a hundred times:

"Not the curing but the preventing"

The situation's clear

Family planning gets closed down,

saving 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

and sing the national anthem

Nadir, your Daddy's here

Can I help her? Her boy's a bit wild

Sure. Nadir was fantastic today

And don't skimp. Use lots of cheese

The pie you buy is too dry

Lots of cream, cheese and pepper

He hasn't brought a snack in a month

We have rules

Tomorrow, no snack, I'll 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 words like "hedgehog"

She's making progress

All day he looked at his new shoes

You have very nice shoes

I want to see Warren's parents

He fights. Especially with Margot

Are you in love?

Go with your grandmother

I came for Laetitia. I'm a neighbor

You're taking her home

Go see the director first

Go see him. 'Bye, Laetitia

Jeremy any better? - 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

Dress them up for class photo day

I've come for her, they've sent me here

You met my husband yesterday

No problem. Just sign her out

A pretty scarf! It looks nice on you

You're a real princess

Can I talk to you?

Mrs Henry's okay. - Lf not, call me

Can I bring the baby for the photo?

Sure. - Thanks

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?

Payment's not obligatory,

but you're two payments behind

If all did like you how'd we get by?

What do you think the money's for?

If 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

30 francs a term, it's not much

I finish my month on 30 francs!

Today's the 23rd! Are you saying

the 4 of you live on 30f a week?

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 Prevel 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: They're not all angels

I didn't realize what I was doing

It happens to all of us

When it does, we should talk

We're trained to suppress

those feelings, to be ashamed of them

So a problem child ends up a scapegoat

Julien moved 4 times in 3 years

Really?

May we pass, Sophie? - Please

At training college, they said

I'd be more like a social worker

They tell you that now? - Yes

That's good! What else?

Nothing. They just say it

Candy? - Thanks

Lice are a real problem

And I can't give them Kwell shampoos

It's considered a drug

Anyway, it does no good

The whole family's lice-ridden

They live in filth. Call the Services

I did. They said they'd do something

We have to act. Expel the child!

Sure, it's in the regulations

And why not kids with runny noses?

You louse!

Why bother with these meetings?

The toilets are in a deplorable state

And the wash-room faucet!

And the gastroenteritis!

And the heat is broken again

I reported to the City and the board

You fight a lot and obtain little

We're fed up. Let's draft a petition

Send it to the mayor and the press

I'm all for it

I can help you draft it

but officially, I know nothing

If they find out, it won't help

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, additional resources

It's up to the high-school principal

to request priority status

It's not easy

Then why won't she

It gives a bad image

So, do we do a petition? - Sure

But I warned you

Let's wish Michele a happy birthday

Hi, Juliette. - Hi, Daniel

In 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

Especially Mrs Etchabery. A bitch

The Dauby family: 2 kids, mid-winter

Even the senator got involved

No one cares. Tried 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

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

The school meals? - Too expensive

Those kinds blow aid money on booze

"Those" have a baby and a 5-year old

So what can we do, now?

I can't see to evreyone!

OK, I'll apply for assistance

But you have to wait a bit

10 meals at 12 francs, that's 120f

Say it's from the City

Hands in the air!

What hands!

Covered in paint!

Someone's here...

I said no. Especially if it's a rep

It's not. And Mrs Meriaux is here...

Mrs Meriaux!

Just looking

Sure. You'll see her at 4:20

All right already, I'm going

Next time I'll really lose my temper

Goodbye, Mrs Meriaux!

Mrs Duhem

I heard about the Henry family

I wasn't in

Never mind that. It's absurd that a

case worker won't give me information

and hangs up when I'm stuck with a kid

We're snowed under!

This isn't the first time

It's hell to get you here!

I report cases, you do nothing

Like the 4-year-Olds' Checkup!

It's always put off

No doctors, no nurses...

It's intolerable!

Enforce the law, dammit!

We're doing our best...

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!

Goodbye. I'm sorry

What're you looking at me for?

Problem's settled

If you say so. - I do

They did the cross-tabulation table

Bravo. It's always a nightmare for me

Too much noise in here!

See you tomorrow, Mrs Delacourt

You really flew off the handle

If the Inspector hears we're in for it

You did good, you'll get your stripes

I know those inspectors

They'll fix your wagon

Did you see how Laetitia lives?

She sleeps in her hat and mittens

You see?

20 years ago, I had 45 pupils

We didn't complain. 45 pupils!

We had discipline. They came on time

And they were clean

Back then there was poverty too

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 straits

Few of them are working

The kids don't know what working means

Worse, they have only me to talk to

Hope?

Not tell myself they'll go to college

I don't believe that now

It's just to give them affection,

because I'm attached to them

That's the only hope I have left

If you could see those kids...

they're in a sorry state

So small,

so vulnerable

The mothers don't tend to them

As if they want to be rid of them

They send their kids to school sick!

They watch TV all day then they

stick the kids in front of the TV

Even during dinner. The result:

We have to teach them everything

Even to say hello

And not only that...

Some of them don't even know

that you can actually 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

There's room for improvement

Drinks, Dad. Daniel raised hell again

On the house? - That's right

A beer

Go on, serve him a beer

Hello, Laetitia. - Hi

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 sometimes

You can call me Daniel

What is it? - I want to sing

The same? Who's winning? - We are

We have 8,

10 and 11

We even have little Gregory

who came despite a foot operation

First shot!

It's not normal

That's Mrs Bry. I'll go talk to her

Hello, Wendy. You okay?

Give me a little kiss?

No kiss for me?

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 photos

Any idea who did it?

Local kids. No need to look far

Took the VCR, the TV and 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

We have to clean up

It's dangerous. Glass all over

Thieves? - Yeah. Bad thieves

Can anyone give us a hand cleaning?

You explained? - Yes. We'll manage

Her Mom left her. She didn't know

You know her? - I can take her

Arne't you insured? - Sure we are

But right now we have nothing

And it was my camcorder

See you, honey

We saved a piece for you

Thanks. You shouldn't have

My husband

Nice to meet you

So you're a truck driver?

I run material to working sites

Come tell the kids about your job?

I wouldn't know how

Show them how a truck works

Kids love that

But it's not my truck

I'll talk to your boss

Should he bring his truck to school?

We've come to help. We're four

I'm coming. - I'll get you a broom

Did the City contact you?

They want to see us?

We'd rather manage on our own

If I find 4 days of work

I lose my benefits

But that's for unemployment

Unemployment, the City, all alike

Always checking up on us

It's not our fault we have no work

They might take our kids away

That's not why they contacted you

So, they took your camcorder? - Yes

Come on, we need you!

I have to go

Don't worry

The Henry notice

is just for the care package?

Let them know. They're scared stiff

They're right to be scared

Okay, I won't keep you

Making headway? - Not much. Gotta scrub

That's a yogurt stain

I'm taking the garbage out

We'll never make it

It's happened twice before

It makes me sick

I'm from Child Welfare. - What now?

Wasn't I clear with Mrs Duhem? - Listen

You listen! I let you in only when you

start tackling the real problems!

I'm sorry. Goodbye

Someone's ringing. - I know

Aren't you getting it? - It's OK

Still ringing. - May be the plumber

Dammit...

Slam the door in my face again

and I'll keep ringing until 5!

Yes, we hung up on you and it's wrong

but 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? - No

4 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!

Including many of your colleagues

We're no better. Some of us lie low

and leave the dirty work to others

So I have to wait 5 more years? - No

You made a stink. You'll get it soon

With bonus, like in a box of cereal

The Inspector's summons

This thing's got him wired

As usual. - As usual

But you know...

This ruckus may help speed things up

These drawings are wonderful. - Yes

We did a show last year

Lolita did that. A bit wild

You can tell from the colors

Dylan. That's Wendy... a bit sadder

That's Clayton's

Dylan, Wendy, Clayton...

Texas. - "The Young and the Restless"

Micauel dumps Pamela who meets Jack

A registrar's nightmare

But I shouldn't complain. Mrs Lienart

has twins: Starsky and Hutch

I've had it with your bullshit!

Thefts, smashed-up phones, slit tires!

We get 50 calls a week!

We don't even go 'cause it's always

12-13 year old punks like you

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

Now you sack a school! No limits!

Deadbeats! Good for nothings!

This time you're going to prison

D'you have a toy truck? - A tractor

The crane comes forward, then opens

It picks up things

That's a crane? It's high!

Here. That's the hook

What can you put in a truck?

Straw! - A car!

It was a good idea

I think they enjoyed it

Goodbye!

Lindsey, hold Brice's hand

Can I talk to you? - Of course

Enough with your bullshit! Come out!

Come out or I break the door in!

I didn't do anything! I didn't go in!

I wanted to play a prank. - A prank?

You've got a pea for a brain!

You don't give a damn!

Just dinosaurs and stupid video games!

Come out or I break the door in!

But I didn't go in

You've no right! You're not my father!

Can I see you a minute?

What're you doing here?

You look awful...

I feel awful

I slapped Remi. He was with

the two kids who wrecked my school

It can't be! - The cops told me

He says it was to play a prank on me

He slipped them the key. Some prank!

I lost it and slapped him

That's wrong. 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 Remi 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!

Answr me, why d'you do it?

You want to ruin our life?

You get a kick out of hurting Daniel?

You don't get it! They aren't my pals

But at least their real Dads hit them

I don't know mine. - Don't start

You always pull that on me!

Tell me about him. What's his name?

I have a right to know!

Your father doesn't exist. He's scum

Then why did you fuck him?

Your mother didn't "fuck"

I was 17, young, I loved dancing

I felt good in his arms

It's not all. I was born. His son!

You're not! You're nothing for him!

He wanted me to get an abortion!

That's the truth!

When I said I wouldn't, he vanished

I didn't try to see him again

You really caused a stir

Take kids home... see what it gets us?

I'm knotting my tie. Mrs Duhem's here

You're handsome

I called you at the Minister's request

to revive the dialogue between you,

school directors, and social services

A difficult dialogue, to judge

from incidents in this district

I won't mention names

To foster better coordination,

I'll ask the various social services

to define their tasks

lt'll benefit us all

He's dodging the issues

Who will begin?

I'm a case worker. Karine Duhem

I see to problem families in the field

I often deal with serious problems:

Hygiene, health, alcoholism,

incest, domestic violence...

The list is long

The Inspector, whom I thank,

pointed out that our difficult work

is aggravated by certain teachers,

who play the social worker

I resent that last remark

Hold on, Mr Lefebvre

The social services have the floor

This isn't a talk show

Let them have their say. Thank you

Smoking here brings back memories

Some coordination meeting!

You shut up and listen to people

who are acoountable to no one

Sure, it's pointless

Anyway, we're not social workers

On the Gauss Curve, the middle counts

They can still be saved

The others are a lost cause

We're no 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 an ambulance service!

The hard cases take all our time

So we throw half in the trash

and see what we can do with the rest?

The trash can's growing. It'll blow up

It's easy to blame others

But I have a computer class,

a school paper, class trip to Paris

Methods that work. - Methods, eh?

Remember Laurent? The strait jacket?

Maybe you saved 10 with your Curve

But what about Laurent?

He may kill himself or someone else

Lots of kids are on the edge

and no one talks to them

They don't need a social worker

but someone to listen to them

To the man who's put up

with my girl for two years!

He is truly...

He is truly phenomenal...

Remi, go to Daniel. Be nice

Make an effort. It's my birthday

Go talk to him! - Leave me alone!

You're not my buddy!

The mines. The rolling mills. Closed

Men show children the apple-tree 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

1st month he had a dr.'s certificate

but it's only good for a week, not 3

Joel is delicate

32 pupils are hard enough

So how do I fight for him?

We understand. - Then why don't you

bring him to school every day?

It's not complicated!

We stopped setting the alarm

We're looking for work for years

No work, nothing to get up for

No need. Then it's too late

Excuse me. It's for the milk

In 5 minutes

Yes. I understand

It's tough, eh?

But if you give up, what can I do?

I'll dismiss Joel from school

You're doing him wrong

You have no right to give up!

Force yourselves to get up

Take him to school

Kindergarten isn't a passtime

I teach the basics of reading-writing

It's very important

lt'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

You're good. Did you see her?

Go on, show me

Now get back in line

Who did it over there?

You? Good. You're the champ

Almost. Who'll make it?

Basketball's harder, eh?

Try it like this. Go on

Careful...

Yes! Nice going, Maxim

Did you see him?

Mr Lefebvre

In the toilets. It's serious

I'll watch the children

Show Mr lefebvre your back

Allison, Fabrice, go outside

Sit on the bench. Quietly

What happened, Jimmy? Did you fall?

No?

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 seem faint

It's not enough for a report

You must tell me if anyone hurts you

No one has the right to hurt you

No 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? Yes. Very good

Where is it? Look at the word, Kelly

What's this word? - "Balloon"

Now you, Nicolas

Mom!

Where is he? - By the dovecot

Hit him! He's choking!

Do something! He's choking!

He's going to die! Hit him!

Yes, hit him. That's it

Coming? - No, I'll wait here

This way, he'll be back

Call your brother? - Yes

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 go in

No smoking, please

Valeria!

Turn that off! My Dad had a stroke!

My Dad had a stroke. - I heard you

He's in reanimation now

Is that all you care?

Yeah. He 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? - No

That's how she is, you know

Yeah, I'll have some

To your health, kiddo

That's how she is

Are you angry?

I won't say that again

Can I see what you wrote? - No

Your father comes home next week

Did he say anything?

He's too weak

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

Miners's coffee, not teachers'

Can you fix the living-room outlet?

It's time to move out of here

Dad won't leave the mining village

His whole life is here

Read Charlotte Delbo first

She combs the snow like winter

That falls about her breasts and face

Love slipe through hair and fingers

A multitute 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

Gentle tears in hands and voice

Gentleness of being nothing

in the most serene seconds...

"I drew a monstrous thing

"It has a hump and a big opening

"Antennas, braids and band-aids

"It has one green eye

"and three hairy feet

"Couldn't face it, tried to erase it

"But I couldn't chase it..."

Very nice!

Bon appetit, honey

Goodbye, Daniel. Bon appetit

Hi. I was in the sector

Brought you the forms

for the checkup of the 4-year-olds

May 5th. How's that? - I'm dreaming!

And I've only been here 3 months

A problem, Monique? - A new rule:

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?

They need to eat!

The Council voted. It had no choice!

It's costing us too much money

It's only 20 francs. - Times hundreds

Some owe 5 months

We're feeding their kids for free!

And hungry kids? - Don't lecture me!

I have a 34% unemployment rate

It's bad. 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. - The kids?

It's up to their parents

Nice going...

A Communist mayor! - Forget it

There are things I can and cannot do!

It's all political now

"I need a job, I need a flat..."

If not, they vote far right

I'm no magician

Another cut line

We'll contact the parents tonight

Come eat before it's all gone

The chips are good

Eating it up?

She'll get ketchup on her

Nadia prefers her Mom's cake

But Kevin ate three crepes

Good. He never eats at home

He's had too many foster homes

Spare me

Mrs Henry!

A problem. No lunches without tickets

They helped you last month. - True

Some abuse it. I don't mean you

I'll manage. My husband just got paid

That's good

Mrs Delacourt's pleased with Laetitia

You wrote your whole name yesterday?

That's very good, dear

Watch your brother

Can I speak with you?

Got this paper. I don't understand it

Must be for the electricity

No, the rent. A garnishment notice

To withhold part of your income

6,644 fr for bailiff's fee!?

They're gonna take money?

Yes. 2,000fr, on the 3rd

But I saw someone at City Hall!

We haven't had power in 6 months!

And the mini-meter? - They want money

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,

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 chicken fowl on your diet?

Am I the only union member here?

It's useless. I was, for 10 years

They do help in certain domains

For our pay raises, but otherwise

they're only interested in perks

And we rank as qualified teachers

I'm unionized just for that?

No, to earn 1,000fr more a month

What commitment!

Should we sing The International?

You remember it?

To you

How's the wine?

The truth? - Yes

These three are fine

OK. Anaise Doise

She worries me

She has dizzy spells. Even fell once

Her sight and hearing seem normal

Did you suggest a doctor?

Yes. They probably didn't go

OK. We'll make a note:

"Must make appointment

"with family doctor

"to do scann." -Very good

Now, Estelle Dupuy. - Very bad shape

When I call her, she doesn't respond

And she talks like a baby. - True

And the parents get annoyed:

"Why not say our daughter's deaf!"

Write in the file: "Audiogram

"See ENT specialist"

I'll follow with the parents

Your Mommies are coming. Sit down

The fabulous Jean-Baptiste!

You were fine today. 'Bye, kiddo

Shake. We've won

And the checkup isn't mandatory

Only to get into first grade

But with all the directives,

they're confused. You scared them

and pushed it through

The Henrys got a garnishment notice

I don't believe it! I called twice!

I spoke to the litigation services!

Here's the school fund

If it isn't Aurelie!

No kiss now that you're in g-school?

She had a straigh 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"

Not funny. It's insulting. He cried

It won't motivate him

Saw the teacher? - Tried to. 4 times

I don't get it. - It's gone!

You give the parents time

in kindergarten, then nothing!

That hurts the fish

No. No sensation in their mouths

How'd you like a hook in your finger?

Don't spoil my afternoon

If you catch one, I'll cover my eyes

Right. Give us a kiss

It's biting! Come quick!

Stay calm. I'm coming!

Lower it. I'll reel it in

Take a deep breath... The net!

Quick! - Do it yourself, I can't look

Come, come...

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. - Wanna watch?

Congrats!

Nice going

Careful!

Get in a line. Back into class

Cathy, get them back into class

Two by two

I won't need you in the classroom

Continue the kangaroo cutouts

"Kisses on the neck, lots and lots..."

Aurelie raised her hand

Who is it? - The witch Krakasha

Very good. Get over there

Let's listen to Aurelie

"The witch Krakasha has a dust bag

"It's full of nightmares, bugs,

"naughty words and disgust

"I don't like the witch Krakasha"

Now who's this? - Pimpernilla

"Pimpernilla, the queen caterpillar

"Lays her cocoon to make a butterfly

"Pimpereyes, the king of butterflies

"Cut off his beard

"Pimpereyes, the king of butterflies

"Cut off his beard in one slice"

The scissors sound was nice. Now:

How are things on earth?

Things are just fine

Are the puppies full of mirth? - No!

They're not, Nicolas? - Yes

So? Are the puppies full of mirth?

They are. Thank you

And the clouds?

They're rolling

And the volcanos?

They're blowing

And the rivers?

They're glowing

No, flowing by. And time?

It's going by. Very good

I said it. - Good, Kelly

And your soul?

It's looking pallid

Spring is green. - Ate too much salad!

What do I do with it?

You put water

Water? Fill it up?

To write? - No

No, for the salad...

If I eat too much salad? - Yes

But I won't

Follow the arrows. Make the "r"

The "r" in Brice

That's very good, honey

Yes, Clayton?

Go on. You may change colors

Yes, Sylvia?

What's going on here?

Naturally, it's Aurelien

Concentrate on your own work!

My pen cap! - Later

Cutting things nicely?

Your 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

and the articulation of language

You handle feedback perfectly

and you capture your audience

The children clearly enjoyed it

But avoid moving among groups

You get dispersed that way

Read 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 other groups?

Make them self-reliant: A basic tenet

of modern pedagogy

And another thing. It's important

Be diligent about recording

each pedagogical aim

School shapes knowledge, and it will

help you prepare the evaluations

A few more things

Say "What is this?", not "It's what?"

Ane be directive. They overwhelm you

I've come for your work as a director

Your war with the social services,

your buccaneering initiatives...

Can't change a Maradona into a bishop

Are you behind the petition?

It was the school council

You involve the parents too much

We're told to. - Under my supervision

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, but that's not the question

I just don't want any more complaints

Fine. I'll think about your grade

Who's this man? - The big boss

Laetitia, your Mommy's here

She was waiting for you

Heard 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? - Change the subject

Not even a goodbye

Opheline's sweater got lost again

and her mother's all worked up

I need that leave request form!

I'll fill it out myself!

I have no time now. Go see Samia

OK? Goodbye

I haven't the 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 and was close to us

I'd gladly sent the others to a slum

We don't work for them

My only promotion'll be by seniority

It's been that way for 12 years!

The asshole won't raise my grade!

I've 19.5 points but my mark's low

Stop complaining

What do you care about points?

It's a stupid, childish system

They grade you like kids

13 out of 20 means slow progres

less money and you look incompetent

To whom? - To everybody! Colleagues,

secretaries, pedagogical advisors!

Then stay a petty clerk like the rest

Tremble before your bosses, your Dad!

Why take risks?

Why dare live? Breathe? Argue?

Why get married, for instance?

Or 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 off the light, I want to sleep

Lights off, a boy, lights on, a girl

Sure you want a boy?

Let's keep it on

There was enough Phenobarbital

to kill the kids in 5 minutes

Did you hear? It's awful

Coffee? - Leave me alone, Mom

Sugar?

I feel like quitting

You can love people, but not help them

Sorry

But Mrs Henry drank! Never gave it up

It's too easy to say that

I didn't see it coming! I screwed up

Even for the meter!

I've 20 cases like hers! - She's dead!

There's a law, dammit!

In '98, in France, they can't deprive

people of heat and power in winter!

They're clever. They do it in the fall

But the meter wasn't the cause

You come home with your kids,

No light, you can't cook...

It's been like that for 8 months!

All winter, watching your kids freeze!

Depression, drink, then one night!

She had plenty of worries

Rent, unemployment, complaints

They wanted to take her kids away

I'd have to see her 3 times a day!

How could I? Answer me! How?

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...

But the children... - What about them?

She 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? - Yes

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 all the necessary..."

No one tried to help that woman!

Now they give her a royal funeral!

Not going would be worse

It could help move things

I'm not going! - Don't do that

No point in turning them against you

You go. I'm not stopping you

You'll find the right words

Next year you replace me. I've had it

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?

Shall we call him?

Leave Mr lefebvre alone

You can't go on like this

Would Laetitia've liked to see this?

Would she've wanted you to give up?

And Opheline and Kevin and the others?

I know what you have to do

The dress I made for Marc's birthday?

Green, with yellow-orange diamonds?

It made you laugh

We'll do the same with your school

We'll use those colors in the yard

The schoolyard's drab, all gray

We'll splatter it with color

And the children will help us

lt'll cost nothing. We'll recycle

Like used felt pens. We soak

the cartridges to extract the ink

And in the playroom: 3 tons of sand

3 tons of sand?! - Yes

We recreate an Arabian desert,

put up Berber tents...

Berber tents? From where?

Old sheets. The kids can paint them

They learn to create beauty from nil

Hold it tight

Let's go

You're spilling it, Nicolas

Everyone pick a color

Carrying a lot, Alexander. Great

Now back to Valeria

The sugar bowl? - What did he say?

Dunno. The sugar bowl

Like it? - Yeah. It's neat

Keep it. It's a heirloom

If he likes it, he can have it

Don't give it all away

At my age... Which reminds me

I loved the Charles Juliet book

It's his life?

It's so movingly written. I wept

Here. Read this

Tell me if I should throw it out

Don't get up. - Let him, Mom

I'm glad you agreed to move, Dad

For you. A gift. - For me?

For no reason? - Yes. Open it

You're nuts! This costs a fortune!

I sold a sculpture

It's so you can keep writing

Not with this! - Sure, with this

Anyway, your other pen leaked

Thanks. - Like it? - And how!

What does my little hand do?

It strokes...

It hits...

It pinches...

It tickles...

What does my hand do? It strokes...

Cathy, come look

Was he hit? - He bled. It's a bruise

Silence! Continue with Cathy

You have to explain this to me, Jimmy

You're all red here

Your head's all red and blue

Did you fall out of bed?

Did you bang your head?

No? You sure?

Who did this to you?

Whisper it in my ear. Just me

Who? - Uncle

Good, son

He wasn't punched. He was thrown

He has bruises all over his body

Blue marks on his arms...

Can you tell me what you told Daniel?

It's very important

Tell her what you told me

Tell me. It's very important

Back to class. On your own, big boy

He's too wound up. It'll take time

But I'll file a report

This "uncle" is his Mom's companion

It won't be easy

I know

It's a rough year

Last year incest cases, but this...

You just saved a kid's life

Shit...

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!

Let go! You sure it's me?

Stop meddling with our lives!

We'll call the cops!

You're lucky she's here

They took Jimmy away yesterday

Gendarmes in a blue van. Like thieves

As if I was nothing. A criminal

Who'll get me my kid back?

Who'll get him back to me?

You've got nothing to be proud of

One thing I'll never be:

A social worker

The creep slashed my tire!

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

There she comes!

Hello, Mrs Delacourt!

I can't kiss everybody. You, yes

I'll put on more weight

Have some coffee

Don't stand there. Have a seat

They promised a City employee

3.5 tons of sand! It's hard labor!

Build your muscles! - Do I need to?

What d'you want to do? Mix them? OK

We take the bottles: Green, yellow...

No, leave those over there. Take these

What a surprise!

We baked cakes. You can sell them

lt'll make money for the school

That's a great idea!

And candy for the children

Sophie, put these in the fridge

I'll try one first

Mrs Baudoin?

I wanted to thank you for Estelle

They found out she's deaf, left ear

I'm sorry for everything I said to you

You should thank Mr Lefebvre

He got the checkup for the kids

Mrs Dupuy would like to see you

I wanted to thank you for Estelle

Brice, Sylvia, come on, you're ready

So, Nicolas

Running off when you have to get dressed

Are you really leaving us?

You say things sometimes...

No... Not a director like you!

What's this costume?

It's so she's part of the party

"Some things can never be erased

"They're in the flesh. They speak

"They're in the soil"

You son wrote that. - Daniel?

"It's in the soil

"A pile of stones, placed one by one

"The hands of our forebears

"The total sum of their patience

"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"

A pile of stones, placed one by one

The hands of our forebears

The total sum of their patience

built piles against the night

and hung moonlight from them

Stand upright. Invent mountains

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

"IT ALL BEGINS TODAY"