A Professora

We all know that our opinions and behaviour are largely affected by other people. That is true both in democratic and authoritarian societies. A classical film that work out this theme is Sidney Lumet's film "Twelve Angry Men". In this Slovakian film the scene is not a jury but parents in a school class. The detestable acts have been carried out by the children's teacher who is a leading member of the communist party. The film supports our hope that is possible to withstand the power elite - yet the outcome it is far from clear.

"Ucitelka" ("The Teacher") is a film from Slovakia and it's set during the years of Soviet domination--probably the 1980s, though the film never gives an exact date.

The story is set during a special meeting called at a local school. It seems that some parents have complained about the actions of their children's teacher. This teacher is very well connected in the Communist party and, according to some, she's using this power to manipulate parents and children into doing her 'favors'. There's also some indication that if students or parents don't do these favors that the kids' grads will suffer. How true all of this is isn't clear in the beginning and as the meeting progresses, you see flashbacks to give you some indication as to what's been happening.

What's really fascinating isn't the teacher's behavior but that of some of the parents who try to exert pressure on other parents to shut up and drop the matter. Additionally, this movie obviously wouldn't have been made during the occupation and most likely shows some of the fear that permeated the lives of Slovakians during this time.

In some ways, this film reminds me of "12 Angry Men" or "Rashomon" in that you really don't know exactly what happened but instead you need to sit back and take it all in in order to form your opinion. And, like these films, it's an interesting look at human nature--both for good and bad. One lesson you see in the movie is the notion of the herd mentality--don't rock the boat unless you yourself are personally being hurt by someone or something. Sad....but often true. And, it seems from the epilogue that this was, in fact, a true story as well.

I really liked this movie. There is a depth to it that very unusual and it really showed the awfulness of human nature...whether in an ex-Soviet nation or anywhere else. Well worth seeing and unique in many ways.

One thing must be explained: only people who lived through this era here in Czechoslovakia, or other Socialist or Communist country, will understand this movie in holistic ways. A perfect cast portraying, what was once an every day practical life of ordinary subordinated people, who either served the system or those who refused and suffered the consequences. The thing is, it does not matter if your motives were opportunistic or not, most were afraid and did only what they had to, just not to be seen stepping out of the row or just simply to survive. Anyhow, my parents were also not part of the Communist party, so I give credit and kudos to all who raised their voices and were often times silenced. Only these people practically know, how hard it was to survive, once you were blacklisted... And the others? It is just very sad, that most of the powerful communists, are today were well established, wealthy and continuing to poison our society in new ways possible... The regimes have changed, but the people remain the same...

A movie called "The Teacher" has to be an uplifting movie about all the good teachers do, and the inspiration they bring to their students, right? Well, not exactly, particularly if you believe bribing, using power for your own benefit and to bully others, and beings selfish is something teachers should teach.

"The Teacher" tells the story of a school meeting, where the parents of the students of a class meet to talk about the teacher of their children, for reasons that are not very clear at the beginning, but seem to be pretty damning for the aforementioned teacher. Little by little, by flashbacks, and by the conversations between the parents, we get to know the problem, and we get to know the different opinions and why those different opinions happen.

It is a very interesting look on how power, families, or school work, with a lot of dark humor and sarcasm and an ironic look to an era where Communism was in power in what nowadays is Slovakia. The director, Jan Hrebejk, goes for satire, not being bleak and angry, but tongue-in-cheek. Nothing of what he tells will be particularly surprising, but centering on the abuse of power and corruption in a school, instead of in the government or military, offers a fresh look, and the amazing work by Zuzana Mauréry elevates this movie to another level. Her acting is amazing, and she brings Mária to life in a performance that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll. A really interesting, and good, movie.

Simply and perfectly a microcosm of eastern europe. I would never presume to ask of you to rate this film 10 stars but it was you who offered.

Kompromat but with children.