Original subtitles

SCHOOL SOCIETY

Isn't your class at 8?

- My stomach hurts. - No, Malika.

That'll do.

The absences add up.

- Your future's at stake. - Ok, I'm going!

I prefer three hours of math to your crap lectures.

Fighting is marked by German and Japanese war crimes

against prisoners and resistance fighters,

and battles like Stalingrad, July 1942 to February 1943,

the war's turning point and the start of liberation.

Try to use your own words, ok?

Reciting makes you sound stupid.

And speak a bit louder.

You have to wake up. It's already 7:40. Come on.

Mom left you a note.

Do the shopping, please!

Hurry it up now.

Take care.

Your girlfriend? She's not bad.

- You good? - Yeah, man.

Ma'am, I can't do educational guidance

and administrative guidance at the same time.

I'll do my best. Thank you.

Mr. Laverne...

Ms. Thévenot, the new math teacher, is here.

Ms. Thévenot? Ah, yes, ok.

About the absent supervisor...

- Yes, I know. - That's ok?

I need to tidy all this, but I don't have time.

An average class, with a few troublemakers,

inevitable in a class of 32.

32?

It must be tough after what you went through.

I'm fine.

Hello. A little quiet, please.

Meet your new math teacher,

Ms. Thévenot.

Hello.

To whom do I have the honor

of giving detention?

Only you know that, sir.

Mom

- Sorry. - Detention will do you good.

Tone it down, Kevin.

A disciplinary hearing looms.

Thank you.

I'll leave you.

Right...

I'll teach you mathematics for the rest of the year.

- Yeah? - Word.

And...

I'd like us to get to know each other this year.

I'm...

- Virginie... - How old are you, ma'am?

- Got a guy? - Cut it out.

Thévenot.

- A real MILF. - Sorry?

- Who said that? - Who said it?

Who said MILF?

Was it you?

Why him?

Cos he's an Arab?

What does it mean?

I dunno, MILF for me is like jam,

Bonne Maman.

No, it means Mother I'd Like to Fuck.

Need it explained?

I think I'm trilingual.

He speaks Mandarin.

Well, I'm not a mother.

See, you learn something every day.

Gotcha!

What can I learn about you?

Kevin's the class clown, but he sucks big time.

What's up, Kim K?

And he thinks he's funny too!

- Are you together? - Us?

I'd rather lick the floor.

Like we believe you!

So, what is math for?

To annoy us.

We don't know.

To calculate complicated stuff.

True. What else?

What a brown-nose!

No idea. Tell us.

Math is used to make houses,

iPhones, Internet...

To make the music you listen to or to do movie special effects.

It can get US presidents elected

or help explore the universe.

It's the realm of imagination and knowledge.

As Albert Einstein said,

"Imagination counts more than knowledge."

Aren't you interested?

Yes, we are!

Yeah, sure.

Let's do it differently: class test.

No way!

That's too much!

Not on the first day!

You asked for it.

Your fault again.

Not mine, his.

Shut up, Blondie.

This isn't cool.

I know.

But you weren't cool either. Pass it back.

Pass these back.

Hurry it up.

- Quiet now. - This sucks...

This is a lot of fun.

Really fun.

Three calculations with gaps.

I'll say when to start.

Pass it on.

When you have the answer, put your hand up.

Everyone has paper and a pen?

Ok, try the first one.

Ma'am, it's primary school level.

I've got it.

Easy.

Ok, try the second one.

Why is it so hard?

Unbelievable, I'm on a roll.

It's dead easy.

Now the final one.

This one's impossible, ma'am.

Ma'am, I cleaned up.

Shut your mouth!

Ok, put your pens down. Stop.

The test is over.

Right...

Some are disappointed.

Don't panic, it's normal.

It was skewed.

What does that mean?

Screwed like sex.

- No, skewed. - What's that?

You had different questions.

So that's why!

Let me explain...

Some had tough calculations, and others easy ones.

That's sick.

But the third question was the same for all.

But if you found the first two impossible,

you felt the third would be too.

It's a rip-off!

- Sick. - Know why I did it?

To humiliate us.

To show you how fast you belittle yourselves.

At the end, some thought,

"It's ok, I'm not so bad." They were happy.

Others thought, "I knew I was useless."

That will stay with them.

All their lives maybe.

The damn thing won't start.

Hey, Malika,

love the Chewbacca look!

School will expel you.

Class busts my balls.

You're a real thug now, like.

Hold up the bakery and bring me a soda.

Before you play Wheelie Man, learn to start your scooter.

Is she dissing me?

I reckon the plug's screwed.

- What? - Check the plug.

If the electrodes touch, it won't start.

She's right.

Yeah, buddy.

Your babe's a blast, Enzo.

- You learn stuff. - She knows your wheels.

"Everyone is a genius,

but if a fish is judged on its ability to climb a tree,

that fish will live its life thinking it's stupid."

Albert Einstein.

Ma'am, are you sponsored by Einstein?

I don't know you and don't want to know your past grades.

I want you to get rid of your labels.

You're intelligent people,

as much as I am,

and can understand anything.

Yes?

- Was the test graded? - No.

That's what I'm saying. I'm not interested in grades anymore.

You grade yourselves non-stop on social networks with "likes".

If a good grade is your priority, you all get 18/20,

so we can do more interesting stuff.

That'd be wicked!

So even I get 18?

Yes.

18 or 17 or 19, whatever you want.

Jump if you wanna get 19!

Jump if you wanna get 19!

Ok, Kevin, we get it.

That teacher's so weird!

We're gonna have a laugh.

I hope we work a bit for the exam.

Boo hoo, I failed my exam.

Dad'll smack me.

Worse, he'll take my books away.

Shut your mouth.

A Gremlin fight!

You don't know it, right?

Never mind, I'll introduce you.

This is our little grannie.

It's easy to make her work.

Lay a gentle hand on her.

You establish contact and when that's done,

neaten her fringe and press the button.

Then you ask her nicely, "A coffee, Grannie, please."

Thank you.

- I'm Ousmane. - Virginie.

Delighted, Virginie.

Hi!

Ok, Thierry?

Great, and you?

Thierry, science.

You're math? An MSc?

I rarely mention it.

- But yes. I'm Virginie. - Delighted.

Beware, the students here are duds at math.

- Really? - Yep.

Thanks.

Ok, not a staff room fan.

I was going for a smoke.

Ignore him, that's just Thierry.

He's edgy, but he's ok.

No, I'm not edgy, not at all.

I have healthy rages, it's different.

I come in handy at times.

Exactly. I'm Judith.

- French. - Delighted.

Likewise.

It's a nice place. Even if it doesn't seem it.

Hi, everyone! How's it going?

Judith...

You're on the 5B support hour?

No, I do three already, I'm on 48 hours.

See Laverne about it then.

The new math teacher?

Magali, educational adviser.

- Delighted. - Virginie...

Welcome to Jean Zay. Everything ok?

Yes.

- You got coffee? - I didn't.

Ousmane made it for me.

So that's where technology fits in.

That's right. Technology has a role.

- Ok, Thierry? - Yeah, and you?

- Did you speak to Pascale? - No.

She spoke to her pal at the education board.

They're lowering funding.

You're kidding me?

That's crazy! They'll never change.

They say education is a priority,

then cut the funds. Seriously!

Lockdown did nothing to change their shit mindset.

God knows how we'll manage.

Thanks for that example of healthy rage.

My pleasure.

Was it the same for you?

She was at a university before.

- Oh, right. - Yes.

On top of it, I had two years off, so I feel a bit disconnected...

You'll soon get reconnected here!

What's the new math teacher like?

I dunno. She's weird.

We have to bring an object that characterizes us.

Another with fancy new ideas

when you're behind...

She wants to get to know us.

Like you need that for math.

It's good. Her students interest her.

What'll you bring?

I like baking, so I thought I'd make some muffins.

Muffins in a math class?

Bring something linked to algebra or geometry.

Take my old abacus.

You used to play with it.

You love that abacus.

But take care of it.

No, it's nothing, I'm just exhausted.

I'm not used to standing all day anymore.

What kind of junk are you making to eat now?

Give me a break, Mom. Stop worrying.

It's good. They're nice to me.

I have to go now.

When will you call me back? Later this week?

Yes, on Sunday. Love you.

Promise, because last time...

Malika, I called your foster family.

- They thought you were here yesterday. - Why call them?

Call me instead.

Why do you lie to them?

Is it going badly?

They bust my balls.

Three foster families in two years.

Each time it goes badly.

Can't you make an effort too?

We have to make choices this year.

I believe in your abilities.

Work or you'll redo the year and end up in special needs.

Why d'you all bust my balls?

Give the balls a rest.

We care about you. So what do we do?

Have you heard from your mom?

School isn't your enemy, ok?

You can make friends here.

Get back to class.

Promise you'll work?

You promise?

Einstein wasn't just a physicist.

He considered every field,

in every direction.

Know what he did? He was always dreaming,

asking questions about the world around us,

and trying to answer them. But, above all, he enjoyed doing it.

No Einstein here, ball-buster.

What was that?

Nothing.

So I brought in a box of Einstein quotations.

They inspired me.

I'll leave it here.

Check it out. I'm sure one will inspire you.

What did you bring?

I see lots of nice things. Yes?

An old abacus.

Ok.

Quieten down.

Pretty. Why did you bring it?

I played with it as a child.

And it's linked to math.

Ok, thank you.

Pass it around.

This is a tool

the Chinese made to count with.

It's the ancestor of the calculator.

Yamaha plus Kawasaki equals Son Goku.

It's Chinese, Kevin, not Japanese.

Same difference.

- Shit! - Dad will kill me.

You bastard!

Gimme a break.

Stop!

Where do you think you are?

- She hit me! - I don't care!

I'm not here to play zookeeper for a few hotheads!

You bust my balls.

Shut up.

All right...

Kevin and you, miss...

My class doesn't suit you, so give me ideas

so everyone can enjoy it.

I dunno.

You stay here until I get a suggestion.

What if math doesn't interest us?

Do we give a shit?

Try looking at it differently.

What if we don't want to look at all?

It's best not to come then.

But, ma'am...

If we don't come, we still get 19?

The grades issue is settled, so yes.

She's sick.

You're the best, ma'am

If anyone's a problem,

tell me and I'll beat them up.

Jump if you wanna get 19!

Anyone else?

Goodbye.

What the hell?

I don't believe it.

I hear you're giving everyone 19/20?

Great way to get them on your side.

I'm trying stuff. I didn't know I needed approval.

Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.

You can do what you want with your students.

We've all tried stuff.

Class debates, screenings,

work groups...

For me, it ends in a mess with nothing taught.

Maybe it bores them.

Maybe it's you, Thierry.

I believe that grades

reassure some and convince most they're useless.

I agree.

Grades classify schools and create a buzz.

For years, I've said regular evaluation

is enough.

They need correcting. Grades block them.

Yeah.

Let's not upset them with bad grades.

The state gets a 90% success rate,

with national levels in the shitter.

Kids can't write a full sentence.

But who needs syllabuses?

- Exactly. - Who needs them?

Why not a 2 or 3-year syllabus

Instead of rushing things?

We've no time to listen to students.

There's a right to educational experimentation.

A good screen for cutbacks.

Montessori kids

know nothing except painting or salt dough.

So for higher education...

That's it, the education board has done it.

12 hours less funding.

You know what that means?

It means one class cut. They do it deliberately.

Other schools are striking.

We stand together or we've had it. Who's for striking?

Sarah?

Come on!

Right, I'll ask Laverne for an hour of union activity.

Hello, everyone.

Thank you for coming.

As you know, following the minister's announcement,

most of our teachers have decided to go on strike.

We're here now to answer your questions.

Corinne Boulanger,

PTA delegate. How long could this unlimited strike last?

The fact it is unlimited means no duration is announced.

This decision wasn't an easy one to make.

We'd rather teach and earn our pay.

But it's an emergency, with long-term effects.

For your kids and for the future.

All three middle schools agree.

Conditions are barely acceptable, with packed classes and missing staff.

And the education board is forcing us to close classes.

If we give in now, things can only go downhill.

Most students will turn to private schools,

meaning the death of state education.

So parents and teachers must stand together.

My daughter's in class 3B.

How will you complete the syllabus for exams?

Do the parents have to do the job?

The slight delay that will result from this strike

will be easy to catch up.

We shall put lessons and exercises on line.

In math, they had a month

without a replacement.

If the exam results are poor, our children will pay.

High schools pick them on results.

Solidarity won't influence

their choice.

Christophe is right.

We had home schooling in lockdown.

Spare us more.

What if we can't mind our kids at home?

As foreseen by the law, the school will remain open

and I'll be here.

But I can't welcome all students.

So I'm asking you, if you can,

to keep your children at home.

Hello, I'm Virginie Thévenot,

the new math teacher.

If you like, I...

I can be here during the strike.

Big-headed and a strike breaker too!

You'll do the syllabus?

Levels are likely to vary, but I can answer students' questions.

It'll just be child-minding.

No framework.

An alcoholic. Her son too.

Totally irresponsible.

Last time, my son ended up in the ER.

I can manage on my own.

Virginie, being present is a real drag.

- No. - It is.

Believe me, it is.

It is.

Come on in.

Good morning.

Thanks for coming.

Seven won't be hard to handle.

Good morning.

- Hello. - Hi, there.

Seven won't be hard to handle.

Funny, that's what I said.

Ma'am?

- Yes? - For my year,

will we revise remarkable identities?

Ok, I'll explain.

I won't teach math or anything else.

Nor will Mr. Gambi.

Your levels vary too much.

But as there aren't many of you,

I suggest something you can't usually do at school.

Do what you want.

What do you mean, ma'am? What are we supposed to do?

Nothing. I expect nothing of you.

- Hold on... - What I mean is do what you want.

You can read,

draw, chat,

play games, do sport...

But it's still school.

Yes, but no.

I'd like you to act as if the school was yours.

You're in Scarface mode. "The world is yours", etc.

There, we can watch movies.

Mr. Gambi answers technical questions and me the rest.

Otherwise, it's up to you.

If you want to leave, ask. I'll do the roll at the end of the day.

So it's like the youth center?

I'm going to work on plans for a vegetable garden

in the yard. A chance to try gardening.

Who'll help?

Can we use phones?

- Yes. - Well, no.

Yes, if it's what you want.

Don't worry.

Vegetable garden

A Principal's Memoirs

For the new school year in September 1982...

Goodbye.

Coming tomorrow?

My parents make me. And you?

I dunno. I may as well work at home.

I'll do an activity tomorrow. I won't leave you like this.

Why not?

It's obvious. I dunno what you expected,

but your idea didn't work.

You didn't learn it at university,

but if you ask teens nothing, they do nothing. Period.

Maybe they were thinking what to do tomorrow.

Right...

Wanna get a drink?

Why?

No reason. Just to get a drink.

Right... Well, no. Maybe some other time.

But...

Thanks. See you tomorrow.

Have a good evening.

Have a good evening.

We could get them to do this.

Or this.

Excuse me, can I play basketball?

Yes, I said anything you want.

Anyone else?

Oscar?

I hate basketball.

What do you like to do?

I dunno. Nothing.

Yes, I like to stalk.

Stock? Why not? What do you stock?

Ma'am, to stalk is to spy on people.

Yeah, didn't you know?

I found loads of stuff about you on the Net.

You were at the ENS.

You're a real brain.

Let me see.

Why are you looking at that?

I dunno.

It's what I like to do. I can, right?

If it's all that interests you,

go ahead and stalk.

- He can, right? - If it's what interests you, stock.

Stock, stock.

Check it out.

I can't find the basketballs.

I was going flat out.

Totally flat out, like.

The dial jammed.

- Wassup? - You good, man?

Ok, guys?

He does left-hand fist-bumps?

Got no respect?

Say what?

You ok?

The wall just collapsed.

I slammed on the brakes.

The guy behind was pissed. He got outta his car.

A black guy built like a brick shithouse...

Guys, check this out.

Why's he trying to play the homie?

The schoolyard's empty. Check it out.

It's totally wild.

- Look. - Leave my babe be.

Take a look.

Let's go play basketball.

Wanna play?

I'm not into basketball.

You're more into food?

C'mon, we'll teach you.

Anyone know what this is?

No?

- Yes. - It's pandanus.

Pandanus? What's it for?

It's an aromatic plant used in cooking.

Are you sure?

Yes, my grandma has a lot in her garden.

She gardens? That's great.

Know any other aromatic plants?

No.

I posted this a few months ago...

- That all you watch? - What?

Makeup tutorials.

Is it a problem?

No, live your life.

I work hard on my makeup for this shit light and spooky room.

You find it gloomy?

You bet, it gets me down, it's so ugly.

Ma'am, can I go home for lunch?

I don't want the weird canteen food.

The food's really bad here.

Can't you cook for us?

There aren't too many of you. I could do pasta.

Yeah, pasta!

With no sauce?

Want McDonalds too, my lady?

- I prefer KFC. - Carbonara maybe?

Without pork, but with bresaola.

That's dried beef.

Sure, if you have a recipe...

Carbonara then?

Yeah.

Let's go.

You were doing math exercises. You like math?

Yeah.

- What do you like? - I dunno.

My dad says it's important to become a doctor.

Want to be a doctor?

Yeah.

- Is your dad a doctor? - Yeah, my mom too.

Here we are.

It's amazing!

Go ahead.

There's ras-al-hanout...

White roux...

I'm lost, you're the pro.

Everything's fine. Just 10 students

being supervised by the math teacher

and the one who teaches...

technology.

No sign of the parents for now.

Everything's peaceful.

In any case, I'll keep you posted on the situation.

Goodbye, Mrs. Lemoine.

You see me, jerk? Gimme the ball.

We do a game?

Against me and Malika.

I wanna play with her.

There's just two of us...

C'mon, fat ass.

You can be a blocker.

No cream?

No, only the French use cream.

True carbonara sauce mixes cooking water with yolks.

- You know cooking. - I love it.

Virginie...

If the kids get hurt, we're to blame.

- It's ok. - He has an 8-metre knife.

You're killing chick fetuses.

These eggs aren't fertilized.

They don't give chicks.

How d'you know?

We'd know if they did.

I think they do. Mr. Gambi?

- Yes? - If these eggs are incubated,

will they hatch?

No, I don't think so, José.

- See. - Encourage him...

But you can try.

It'll be your experiment.

I'll keep eggs warm to hatch them and we'll see.

Let him incubate if he wants!

José, if you want to incubate, do it!

Enjoy.

What are you doing?

It's tasty, did you make it?

No, Emilie did.

Brown-nose can cook?

Yeah.

What's the link between brown-nosing and cooking?

Gotcha!

Your mouth's a mess. Binto, show him a tutorial

on how to eat.

Show your mom one on hairstyling.

She doesn't have time.

- What's her job? - Night nurse.

Glad you're here, Malika and Kevin.

Enzo there is back from the dead.

He is?

I last saw him a year ago.

He's married now, three kids.

Which one is yours?

- Kevin. - Go to Daddy.

You'll see me every day, man, if we play.

Sir. You'll see me, sir.

Excuse me, sir.

- I'd like that. - Let's do a tournament for the holiday.

Great idea.

Not a holiday, a strike.

- Same difference. - A tournament is a good idea.

The school is yours.

I'm up for it.

In that case, I'll bring my PS.

You can, if you want.

This school is gonna be wild!

Give us power and it'll go a long way.

- Calm down, Kevin. - How far?

Let's do The Bachelor . I'm the bachelor.

You have two weeks to seduce me.

The winner better be good.

He's up for it.

You too, ma'am.

How about that.

The guy's a nutjob!

A real macho idea.

You lost already.

I'm pissed, I wanted us to make out.

Yeah, I noticed.

Always clashing.

Yeah, I'm a clasher.

It's a talent many politicians would like.

Wild.

Shit, my crap battery's dead.

The new X30?

- Mr. Gambi, you didn't explain? - What?

Rub it on your boobs to recharge it.

Shut the hell up.

- True. - Says who?

I heard that, it's new technology. Magnetic-electro stuff.

Try it!

- Hold on. - Ignore him.

It's warming up, I swear.

Friction creates heat. Are you dumb or what?

Why?

Why do you rub your hands when it's cold?

How do you know that?

I dunno. It interests me.

I watch TedX talks.

What?

Talks on the Net.

Talks on hand-rubbing?

She's nuts.

Are you dumb? Shut the hell up!

Energy causes wars and pollution.

It's worth knowing.

Sorry, Sid the Science Kid.

The Magic Bus is outside.

Very funny. D'you know Nikola Tesla?

No, you don't.

Teslas are cars, right?

- Hybrid cars. - That's a tribute.

Tesla was a guy who, in 19-something, found how to make free energy.

But that was a problem for oil companies

who wanted to get rich.

Know what they did?

The bastards killed him.

- A murder? - Officially,

he died alone in a hotel room.

You can make his engine. The plans are on the Net.

It just freaks scientists out.

You could rebuild it?

- Yeah, I guess. - Why not try?

What?

- That's crazy. - Why?

C'mon...

Stop acting smart. What are we?

Assholes?

You just read Wikipedia.

- Cut it out. - It's a good start.

What do you read?

Nothing. I'm cool. I'm up on stuff.

So your plan is to do nothing?

I dunno.

I have time. Why the pressure? Can't we do what we want?

You can.

But you don't play along.

Cos you don't approve? We can't do what we want then?

At 13, you understand it all?

Stay away

and spare us your crap.

Go hang out in your room with your phone.

Or hang myself as a memory for you.

What did you just say?

What did you say?

What is this?

What's going on?

- Sit down. - Ms. Thévenot?

Something wrong?

No, we're fine.

You have to tell me if...

- Is this the canteen lunch? - No.

With this few, making pasta was more fun.

Want a helping, Mr. Laverne?

You can't take such liberties.

The hygiene department could cause us problems.

I don't think you need extra worries.

If they don't like the canteen food, they bring a picnic

Let the parents choose what they eat, alright?

See you, Mr. Gambi.

Goodbye.

- Are you ok? - Yes.

Here they come.

She's crying.

Do you know why Oscar mentioned suicide?

In my last post, a student killed himself.

A student in advanced math studying for a tough exam.

He was very unhappy.

Forced to do what he didn't want.

He was ashamed of letting down his parents and teachers.

Ashamed of not being up to it.

I'll never force you.

Really.

Oscar was right to get angry, and I was wrong.

Come here, sulk and do nothing, if you want.

I don't know your life.

I'm not here to judge.

I'm not a judge and I don't know it all.

Good morning.

University student commits suicide

Mr. Gambi...

I checked Tesla videos and I can't do it.

If it was true, they'd have found a way.

But I found another free energy method.

You did?

- Are you making fun? - No.

- Go on. - As students,

when we climb stairs to class, we expend energy.

Imagine capturing that energy to fuel a battery.

It'd be free energy!

Ok, so you're a genius.

- You're making fun. - You're a genius.

It's a great idea.

You came up with that. You're a real scientist.

Shield yourself with your butt, like this.

No one will get the ball.

You have a big butt, so use it.

Gross! Got Syria up your ass or what?

That's yesterday's carbonara.

I've had enough.

Come back.

You thought you'd do it

right away?

No way. It took me 7 months to learn.

Your butt is your key weapon.

Even with guys six feet or more,

no one will get it.

Believe me.

Play a lot?

Not a lot, no.

Not with a kid brother or a buddy?

I'm an only child and just moved here.

Pass it.

Wanna play, sir?

No, thank you.

Aren't your teachers here?

I'm here.

We're doing art today.

Shall we set the PlayStation up?

You bet.

Let's go then.

Turn it.

Turn it now.

It looks good.

- Shit... - Yeah, not bad.

When we do stuff we like, time flies. That has a name.

It's the flow.

Use your butt.

Go on, do it!

That's not the flow.

The flow means style.

We're saying the same thing. The flow is fluid.

When you feel good.

When time flies.

It can be in your words, clothes, work...

In your life, like.

Anyone can find their flow.

I made an incubator and got organic eggs.

- Bintou, the artist. - Don't film me!

The phone!

We need these sensors for the base.

Ok, I see what they are.

I'll see how much they cost.

Want to invite your grandma to help?

- Yes. - Yeah?

Look at this. They do packs of eight for 5.30 euros.

- No, Mr. Gambi. - The wrong ones?

At least I tried.

How did you manage this?

I don't know how you'll keep them calm all day.

I was thinking we could name group leaders.

I did that as a youth worker.

Leaders at 11 years old?

Some are 15.

Our job is to make future citizens and teach democracy.

For them, school is a dictatorship.

You've never known one.

That's true.

Have you?

- Mr. Castelli? - Hello.

- Are you ok? - Fine.

I saw your stuff on Instagram, so I'm here.

- Great. - Wonderful.

- Come on then. - Let's go.

She says the weather is rotten here.

- It's not great. - We noticed.

We can only plant simple things like radishes.

- Lettuce... - Cannabis too?

What was that?

She busted you.

Joseph...

She smokes?

A little.

- Let's go back... - Start planting.

...to radishes.

Thank you.

Alright, give me some water.

- He's sick! - Piss off!

What's going on?

Chantal, I'll see what's happening.

Why unplug it, jerk?

Go on, Rayane!

- Waste him! - Calm down!

Stop it!

Cut it out. Are you crazy?

It's the PS, they won't listen.

He unplugged it like my mom!

No one else could play!

Enough! Can't you take turns or play together?

It's no use, he sucks.

FIFA isn't what I wanna play.

Alright, you know what? We'll do a game to decide.

What kind of game?

On one piece of paper it says "squat"

and on the other "share".

I'll explain.

Pick a paper and show no one.

If one chooses "squat",

and the other "share",

the one with "squat" gets the PS for two hours.

120 minutes.

The other gets nothing.

But if you both pick "squat",

no one gets the PS.

Nothing.

If both pick "share",

you get 30 minutes each.

Go on, pick.

What did you pick, Paul?

SQUAT

- He's right. - Rayane?

Damn...

That sucks.

- Zero minutes. - No PS for you.

It's his fault!

Hey, calm down.

Ma'am, can we try again?

Second thoughts.

He expects me

to share and he'll pick "squat".

Now it gets interesting. The second time.

If we play ten times in a row,

to establish console use

for the next ten days, what's the best strategy?

"Squat". You're bound to win at some point.

When your opponent snaps and picks "share".

But how long without playing?

What counts is how long

you play in all in the next ten days, right?

A mathematician studied that.

He tested strategies by making machines compete.

And the best one

was the "give and take" strategy.

Always pick "share" to start.

If the other picks "squat", you pick it next round.

If the other chooses "share", pick "share" next, and so on.

No sense in being naive.

Screw him if he tries to screw you.

But don't bear grudges.

You soon have to share.

It's not ethics, it's mathematics.

It's game theory.

So who can use the PS now?

Are you dumb or what? You share.

You're late, Malika. You missed the group leader vote.

I don't give a shit.

You got elected in technology.

Great.

The battery won't work at home.

That's why you're moody?

You're trying something complicated. It won't work just like that.

Help me. I watched tutorials, but it's doing my head in.

I'm going to help you.

Enzo, what's up?

So you can't go out?

Only to school. Why?

That's fragile!

You play with Lego together?

Don't touch that.

Drop the thug act. Do stuff or leave.

- Get it? - I'm cool.

I'm here for basketball.

- I came to say hi. - Ok. Hi.

To mark your territory like a dog.

Who're you talking to? I'm not your baby brother.

- Just calm down! - It's ok, sir.

Who are you talking to? I'm not your plaything.

Am I some prop for your outings with the guys?

Know what? I'm not into that.

So forget about me, ok?

We're through.

Find another bitch!

So you're dumping me?

Yeah, it's over.

Don't come crying after.

Don't come crying.

Go on, pass!

Move, fatty, you suck.

Kiss my fat ass.

Get lost!

Hey, leave him be.

- Cut the crap. - Who is he?

My kid brother.

Your kid brother?

Acting smart now?

Changed sides?

What d'you mean? There's no sides.

No sides? I see your crap Jean Zay team on Insta.

Have you blown a fuse or what?

- A kid posts that for fun. - He posts it for fun?

Let's have fun!

Let's fuck 'em up!

Are you ok?

What's going on?

Stop that!

Fuck you, you bald motherfucker!

What's up?

What're you doing here?

Let go of me!

What's going on? Stop!

Let's get outta here!

Shit! Are you ok, sir?

I'm ok. Thank you, Kevin.

We'll press charges right away.

What happened here?

Come with me.

What's this mess? Can you explain?

It's total anarchy. I got attacked by some kid.

I'm sorry.

You seemed strict,

but you turn the school into a squat!

They'll be smoking weed next!

They have to work, dammit!

They're glad to come, that's good.

Sure, they just do as they want!

That's the idea. They do as they want and take an interest in it.

For the first time in ten years, I feel I'm doing my job.

In two weeks, they've matured more than in three years here!

What do you think, Castelli, as the wisest here?

This morning a girl asked me to recommend a book.

I felt like crying.

That hadn't happened for 25 years.

That's touching, I'll grant you that.

But these are club or associative activities.

You have a syllabus to follow.

The other students follow classes on line

and move ahead.

Sorry, but from tomorrow on,

stop the games and do exercises from the syllabus.

But there's no syllabus for them.

They're disillusioned.

It's all influencers, fake news and ecological risks.

They're expected to learn encyclopedias by heart. It's crazy.

So we turn out uncultivated idlers?

I think Malika has something big. Come and see.

With pressure, springs under the slab deform the piezoelectric plate.

And that creates current.

I call it Magic Steps .

A slab that collects pedestrians' energy.

If the potential rises and the light comes on, it works.

Bravo.

I said it was big.

Malika, you're really gifted.

The slab's still too fragile.

With better design and output,

we could light a whole room

or the whole school.

Very impressive, right?

Yes, it's very, very good.

To enter the 2022 innovation contest, fill out this form.

Young inventor France (under 25)

Register

Registration confirmed

Presentation, May 15th. You're registered.

- We'll come to Paris. - Totally!

You bet.

Who's free?

But who'll pay?

- Pay for what? - Transport.

We cheat, it's easy.

No way.

Malika has to finish her prototype.

We need to buy supplies.

What'll it cost?

At least 200 euros.

For a perfect little mat.

So we need 300 euros for supplies and transport.

I'll ask the principal for funding.

Otherwise, I'll advance it.

Thanks, Ms. Thévenot!

Advance me a PS too.

Sure.

Malika, you're a star!

Your cake's amazing. It's beautiful.

I told the parents they'd be home by 9.

Yes, don't worry.

I'll be right back.

Not dancing?

No, I don't like to dance.

- Why keep your hair like that? - Because...

It's personal. I don't wanna talk about it.

You don't have to tell me.

Ok, but keep it secret.

Don't worry.

Before, to punish me, my dad would shave my head.

When he did it to my kid brother, I saw red.

I threw him out.

And, since that day,

no one touches my hair.

It's like a phobia.

I get it.

Seen him since?

Never. I don't want to.

Your mom's ok?

Yeah, she's ok.

She does her best for us.

Ok.

This almost makes you miss middle school.

You liked it?

I loved middle school.

I had a poster of it.

No, I nearly took a bad turn.

But the lady director of my local social center saved my life.

Yeah. Her name was Houria.

One day, she said,

"Come here, see to the kids."

I asked why, I didn't understand.

I saw I loved working with teens and became a teacher.

How about you?

Top of the class from kindergarten.

From day-care even.

While others drew stick figures, I did building plans.

I really loved math, so I kept at it, started uni two years early,

and did my MSc at 22.

I needed to pass it on and became a lecturer.

You do a great job.

- Thanks. - I mean it.

But that quotation of yours...

The Einstein one with a fish climbing a tree...

Einstein never said that.

- I checked, he didn't. - Stop it.

- I swear. - So who did?

- Who said it? - Goldman...

- That's Goldman. - Who said it?

- It wasn't Einstein. - You're kidding me.

You know old folks' stuff?

Mom's favorite. Do you know it?

He asks if I know it!

- So sing it. - Sure.

- Sing with me? - I don't sing.

Sing with me.

Even if time is short

Mr. Gambi!

Even if things are hurried

If the years I have left

Are just minutes and days

And even if I'm tied up

Or if I have to bring down walls

By blowing into trumpets

Or by using simple murmurs

I'll live out my dreams

I'll live out my dreams

I'll live out my dreams Until all reason fades

I'll live out my dreams

Until the very last dream

I'll live out my dreams Until all reason fades

Until the very last dream

Wind energy

The students have elected one leader per group,

per workshop.

Here, a small vegetable garden

that we have put together.

Next, over there, you have basketball.

They're organizing a tournament.

They help each other.

And the classroom...

Decorated, arranged and devised by them.

It's a huge village fête.

No, there's no coconut shy.

Now the library where Mr. Castelli...

Please don't make too much noise.

We mustn't disturb her concentration.

The rotor's movement turns an axle that turns an alternator,

like a cycle dynamo.

She's working on a prototype...

Sorry, Malika.

We'll let her work. I'll explain outside.

Ok, let's go.

Here's the kitchen where students can cook if they want.

Everyone ok?

- Ok, Eden? - Dad?

If you're a kitchen maid here, you can stay at home.

She's no maid, she's doing molecular cuisine.

- It's not funny. - It's not a joke.

She's learning.

What's he doing?

Incubating eggs.

You flout every safety rule. Do you have the right to do this?

I have the right to experiment. It's important.

Malika has never been so happy at school.

Excuse me...

I have some good news for you.

I just heard myself.

The strike is over.

The government relented on the key points

and the teachers will be back tomorrow.

Come and see. Quick.

Beautiful!

Come on. Come here.

I'll call you Mbappé.

Put the desks back, please.

What's this mess?

A couch.

Wild! Hey, sir, we can learn nice and relaxed.

That'll do.

We're not here to joke around, despite what some think.

Look, a game of Monopoly.

Battleships too.

We must alter the vertical foot pressure

for a rotational one.

But, for that, we need an engine connecting rod.

And inserting a rod won't be easy.

Malika...

A rack!

- Malika! - Yes?

I told you we have to vacate the room.

I can't now. I'm nearly there.

You have to go, my first-years are coming.

- You have class too. - Are you crazy?

You tell me to go to class? You, with a contest coming up?

I have to teach, I have no choice. It's what I'm paid to do.

The strike's over, it's different.

It's ok, come tomorrow at 7 am, and I'll let you in.

Ok, take everything and come with me. Hurry.

You're too much.

Doing this, I could lose my job.

Nothing is lost or created, everything is...

Transformed.

Thank you.

So, to hydrolyze saccharose,

C12 H22 O11,

saccharose, plus water,

that transforms into C6 H12 O6,

namely glucose and...

Does heating it make caramel?

Ms. Simonet, raise your hand before speaking.

It's the caramel equation, right?

How do you keep it liquid?

If you interrupt me,

I can't do the syllabus.

We've lost enough time, right?

You lack flow, sir. That worries me.

I see the strike didn't improve some people's attitude.

Let's get back to it.

For equal atoms in reagents and products,

what's the coefficient?

- Two. - Thank you.

Where are you going?

Math class.

- You're late. What's that? - To show to Ms. Thévenot.

This isn't primary school. You don't bring cakes. Give me that.

They're fragile.

That'll do! Follow me.

We'll see her about this.

"Any idiot can know, the goal is to understand."

That means you're researchers.

Bring me the answers I don't have.

Yes?

I met Emilie in the yard. We'll mark her as late.

Thank you. Sit down, we just started.

- The cakes. - They're for Virginie.

Ms. Thévenot. It's not primary school.

- What are they? - In chemistry,

we hydrolyzed saccharose and I saw how to keep caramel liquid.

Fantastic. Is it good?

Let's try them.

Sure. You want to?

Do you mind?

It's Emilie's project.

Emilie's project?

I don't believe this.

No, it's wonderful. What she did is research.

Trial and error, correction...

That's how you learn.

- Do you want one? - I'm diabetic.

Ok, let's share them.

- Yes? - Mr. Laverne?

Things can't go on like this.

You're out of your depth?

Not at all, if I can do my job properly.

I'm the chief educational adviser here,

and I can't advise with teachers against me.

- Ms. Thévenot? - She disparages me

and gets applauded. What is this?

Don't worry, I'll talk to her.

She got a big head

during our absence.

Aberkam is absent again.

She only comes outside of class.

Really?

- So tell me. - I'm telling you.

Give me her phone number.

06 24 06 58 35.

It's Mr. Laverne.

What's going on, Malika? Where are you?

At school?

No, she's skipped classes for two days now.

Ok, but you have to go to class.

You have an exam soon.

I'll ask Ms. Vidal.

She's working on her project.

They piss me off with their projects!

This is middle school,

not France's Got Talent !

Sorry, but do I have projects?

I need your support here, Mr. Laverne.

- Come on. - Yes.

You're right. I'll sort it out.

Good.

- Let's go. - It's exhausting.

Hello.

Put that away and go to class!

You scared me.

I'm too busy now.

You can't do as you want here. So go to class, period!

Hey, this guy's nuts!

Enough, Malika!

Go to class right now or I'll suspend you!

Ok, let's do that.

Let's do what?

To help, I suspend myself.

I'll make you some this weekend.

- Hi. - Hello.

What's new?

Emilie's chemistry class

helped improve her recipe.

Bravo, honey.

Yeah, that's great.

Great to skip classes, disrespect teachers

and mess around.

- What? - Ms. Vidal called.

You need to change your attitude.

- I didn't tell Mum yet. - What is this?

You're changing schools.

We're on the St. Charles waiting list. Jean-Pierre can help.

Sure it'll be better?

No, but it can't be worse.

I posted fun tutorials on the platform.

Watch and we'll discuss them next time.

Have a good evening.

Goodbye, ma'am.

Emilie, can I have a quick word?

Goodbye.

- Are you ok? - Yes.

Yes?

Did your parents like your cake?

Did you explain how you worked it out?

Yes.

Your dad must've been proud.

Your famous approach...

I'm not keen on alternative methods.

Me neither. I have no doctrine.

I just want happy and curious students.

I'm not obtuse. I want my daughter to be happy too.

But society isn't suited to those who do as they want.

I don't agree.

- I don't really care. - Christophe...

I don't need a lecture.

Emilie likes you a lot, it's nothing personal, but

we know our daughter. She needs more of a framework.

Ever seen her cook?

It's no use.

- Of course. - Seen her face?

The joy on it when she succeeds?

We don't plan to stop her cooking.

She could go far

with her intelligence and talent.

It's a 14-year-old's hobby. They're obsessed with Top Chef .

You don't pick a career at 14.

Are you sure?

She'll do medicine as she likes that too and she can still cook.

The opposite is more unlikely.

That said, thank you, goodbye and good luck.

Goodbye.

Mr. Laverne, talk to Emilie's parents.

They insist on moving her.

I just saw them.

Who are you? The Supreme Leader?

Can you decide a teen's future instead of her parents?

Your experiment has left you in a dream world.

But she's unhappy. It could end badly!

Don't mix things up.

You take it all too much to heart.

You bonded with the students during the strike.

You needed that after what you went through.

But things are back to normal now.

You can't invest so much in them. You'll wear yourself out.

Pull yourself together.

Go and teach normally.

The past participle never agrees with the subject

when "avoir" is the auxiliary.

However,

it agrees with the direct object

when it is placed before the verb.

For example,

(J'ai perdu ma fille.) I lost my daughter.

(Je l'ai perdue.) I lost her.

Words aren't easy The flow isn't easy

When I see you I feel good

Bintou when I see you My heart goes wow

It goes wow?

The shit you come out with...

Malika, press on the slab.

Harder...

Nearly ready?

They're connecting it.

The hallway power's off. I don't believe this.

- She should try believing. - Or just give up.

Once it's connected, it'll light up.

We've lost 10 minutes.

What's this mess?

Malika, I told you. You come here to go to class!

Get to your classes.

Come on.

No, wait, Mr. Laverne.

Careful...

Ms. Thévenot, Mr. Gambi, my office now.

Be careful!

Hey, watch out!

Careful!

Careful with the slab.

Wasn't I clear enough?

The experiments are over.

What do we do without light? They wrecked the electrics.

- No, it's all ok. - Madness.

I'm coming.

Stop this nonsense.

Malika has to focus on work.

It's an exam year.

She has to perfect her project for the inventors' contest.

Forget the contest.

Seen the mock exam dates?

- What? - No.

It fucking works!

This is wonderful!

Bravo, Malika. It's fantastic!

Bravo!

- See that? - Great, there's light.

But stop.

It's not just light, sorry.

It's hours of hard work...

You completed your project. Well done.

But the inventors' contest won't be possible.

Tell her.

The mock exam is on the same date.

- It's unfortunate... - Screw the mock exam.

Calm down, Malika...

The mock exam isn't...

Could she sit it later?

No exceptions, there've been enough!

It's a national exam,

so you toe the line and go to class,

or you're suspended. The others too.

You can do the contest next year.

- Emilie? - Coming.

A good breakfast before the exam.

- Sit down. - I'm not hungry.

I was like you.

Never hungry before exams, but top of my class.

Here, my lucky pen.

You rallied well, I'm proud.

Thanks, Dad.

- Good luck! - See you later.

Don't worry, it'll go well. Good luck.

Thanks.

Malika, I'm running late.

Don't worry, I just overslept a bit.

Look who's here!

- Ok? - Where you going?

Stay here, don't back away!

Don't start pissing me off!

You think Malika gives a damn about you?

What? I don't care about her.

You send her messages, bro.

You text her to come to school. Think I'm dumb and don't know?

She doesn't give a shit about you, ok?

- She's into real men. - Ok, now let me by.

He'll get a note from teacher...

Are you nuts?

You wanna smack me?

Are you nuts?

Grab his phone.

I'll traumatize you for life.

Let's split.

Good morning. Go ahead. Good luck.

Good morning.

Good luck.

Hello, sorry. You can go in, Paul.

- Straight to voicemail. - Shit.

What do we do?

We have to go.

Are you kids coming?

Just a minute, sir.

- People are waiting. - Please...

There he is!

- Where were you? - What happened?

It's nothing, it's ok.

Hold on, what is it?

Let's go.

Let me see.

Shit, look...

They did it.

They did it.

I hoped they would.

- It's scary. - It'll be ok.

Have you seen the team group is missing?

Where are they?

- They went to do the contest. - Shit.

- A disaster. - I can get them if the exam's delayed.

Ok, we'll take your car.

Ok. What about the others?

Mr. Castelli...

Fine, but what do I say?

- Mr. Castelli... - What do I say?

We'll be right back.

Mr. Castelli...

- Are all these absences normal? - No.

No, I wanted a word about that.

We think it's the cappuccino.

The cappuccino milk... We don't know if it was cow or ewe milk...

Sheep milk.

Food poisoning in any case.

The mock exam has begun. I hope we're not screwing up.

Shut the hell up and stop freaking out.

No!

I don't believe it!

Look.

What is it?

Enzo posted it?

The bastard!

Bintou when I see you My heart goes wow

- Ms. Thévenot. - Give it to me.

Mr. Castelli, did you calm her?

Calm who exactly?

- What's going on? - Mr. Laverne.

Nothing serious. I'll explain.

Can we postpone the exam to this afternoon?

- Are the students there? - We called the parents.

No need. We'll bring them back.

Totally irresponsible.

You'd better be here before the parents arrive.

- We'll be in big trouble. - I warned you...

- That's the Géode. - Beautiful!

Look over there. "Innov 2022".

That means we're here.

Let's speed it up.

C'mon, Mbappé...

We screwed up.

Our job's at stake.

We really fucked up. Let's face it, we screwed up.

Ok, stop now. Shit!

Stop freaking out!

It's not serious.

Serious isn't like this.

Ok, but watch the road.

Is this the exit?

Yeah, if you take this exit, we can...

Fuck!

Thanks.

I need your material for the stage.

Is there a presentation video?

Yes.

Hurry, you're next.

The drone is entirely waterproof.

It's able to spot people in difficulty

thanks to its thermal camera,

even under several meters

of landslide or avalanche.

It positions itself above the victims,

automatically sends a signal to the rescue teams

and can drop a survival kit.

We're screwed. Look at this. Mine might not even work.

Seriously? You'll ace it like a queen.

Let's give a big hand to a fine invention.

Thank you.

Alright.

And now, the contest's final invention...

Magic Steps by Malika Aberkam.

Go, Malika, you're the best.

Come and join us on stage.

Thank you.

Hello.

- Run! - What else am I doing?

There. We then install this in public buildings.

With 10,000 steps a day,

Magic Steps can generate over 7,000 watts.

Ms. Thévenot, Mr. Gambi, come over here.

...seven hours of electricity

for an average-sized middle school.

That's it. Thank you for listening.

It's an honor to be here.

No doubt about it,

this is a classy place.

Thank you again.

Thanks to my team from Jean Zay middle school.

Bravo, young lady, a fine invention.

Thank you.

That was wild.

- Bravo. - Well done, Malika.

Alright, here we go.

There he is.

- Hello. - Where's Jonathan?

What's this contest? I can't reach him.

Don't worry, it's all under control.

Under control?

They're...

Ms. Thévenot and Mr. Gambi are bringing them back.

The math teacher and... Does Gambi teach?

Yes, Mr. Gambi is the technology teacher. Right?

The famous Ms. Thévenot. I said it'd end badly.

End badly how?

- Where is he? - Calm down.

You're worried, but I'm sure it'll be alright.

The Jury Grand Prize

is awarded to the Meditech application

by Martin Rougemont.

The City of Science Prize

is awarded...

You're gonna get it.

...to the rescue drone

by Frédéric Lipschitz.

There are more.

The Practical Innovation Prize

is awarded...

to the solar grill by Gaëlle Le Cointre.

And, finally, the Special Jury Prize.

It is awarded...

to Magic Steps by Malika Aberkam!

- You're the queen! - Bravo, Malika!

I'm so proud of you, I swear.

You're not Einstein, you're Malika Aberkam.

Bravo!

Malika, show us.

Again.

Mr. Castelli?

Yes, she won.

The Special Jury Prize.

- She won a prize? - Malika?

Yes. Great.

May I put the speaker on? To reassure everyone.

Hello?

It's all ok, the kids are happy, we're heading back.

Shit!

What's wrong?

Calm down.

José, are you ok?

José, are you ok? Are you sure?

Sorry, I didn't see him.

The education board has launched disciplinary proceedings.

I couldn't do anything.

A student was injured.

You realize that?

Your disciplinary hearing will be after the exams.

I'm awaiting your summons...

Until then,

you'll understand I'm obliged to suspend you.

I'm sorry.

Good luck and thank you, Virginie.

What you did for Malika was great.

They can't condemn that.

Thank you.

Virginie, I'm really sorry.

It pisses me off for you and for us.

Our methods differ, but we want the same result.

Don't worry, we'll back you up, ok?

Thanks, Thierry.

Good luck.

Hold on a second. Virginie...

Why did you do it?

Why take all the blame? We were together.

Now they know you teach technology, it'd be a pity to lose you.

Ms. Thévenot, hello.

Take a seat, please.

We'll go over the facts.

Who wishes to speak?

Yeah, I aced it!

I think it'll be ok.

Don't get your hopes up. They never listen to us.

Come with me, please.

Alright...

I'll read the disciplinary board's ruling.

Ms. Thévenot,

the board has decided to...

What's going on?

Hello.

We'd like to speak.

Children have no place here.

You're judging our teacher?

We're evaluating her capacity

to keep teaching within the state education system.

As the first concerned, we'll give our opinion.

Meaning what? Your opinion...

Ms. Thévenot is the kind of teacher everyone should meet once.

She believed in us and inspired us.

- Your turn. - Right.

Good doctors, good plumbers and good teachers

became what they are because they had fun and felt the flow.

Maybe you don't know that.

It's sweet to defend your teacher, but it's not your role.

Besides, the deliberations are over.

So thank you for your contribution.

You must leave now.

Thank you.

Hold on. What are you gonna do, fire her?

What's your problem?

Before Ms. Thévenot, I nearly quit school.

School was like jail for me.

I thought I was worthless.

But she trusted in me.

She taught me I could do stuff.

That I wasn't useless.

That people at school could help me.

Thanks to that,

I have an inventor's medal.

Who else here has one?

There.

Our experiment with Ms. Thévenot

should be obligatory.

"A teacher's supreme art is to awaken joy in expression and knowledge."

I didn't say that, Einstein did.

It's true,

we missed the mock exam.

But, with the confidence she gave us, we worked together and look...

Show them, Bintou.

14/20.

Same here.

18/20.

12/20.

With an inventor's medal. Beat that.

I'm going this way.

Don't be sad.

And trust in yourself, ok?

You promise?

They won't fire you, will they?

They probably will.

What'll you do?

My job. Teaching.

In state education or elsewhere.

I'll carry on doing it because I love it.

I'm sure of it now, thanks to you.

They're fucking bastards.

Off you go now.

Keep working together.

Have fun and stay free.

You know all that.

- We'll stay in touch. - Yes.

- Goodbye. - Bye.

- Have a good summer, Mr. Gambi. - You too.

Goodbye, Ms. Thévenot.

Bye, Chantal.

- Bye. - Have a good summer.

I loved your Einstein quote.

Really?

And those videos of you singing.

So cute.

It was wild. No one did that for me before.

- Want more? - No, it's ok.

Subtitles by Ian Burley