MOVIE REVIEW
A Real Job (Un métier sérieux)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2023, 2024 DVD
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Thomas Lilti
Writer(s): Thomas Lilti
Cast: Vincent Lacoste, François Cluzet, Louise Bourgoin, Adèle Exarchopoulos, William Lebghil, Lucie Zhang, Bouli Lanners, Léo Chalié, Théo Navarro-Mussy
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: At the Victor Hugo School, the actual curriculum is taught beyond the blackboard, where teachers like Benjamin (Vincent Lacoste,) a doctoral student turned educator, find themselves in the thick of an unexpected career shift. In A REAL JOB, director Thomas Lilti blends the harsh realities of teaching with a touch of comedic relief, delivering a film that respects the profession's complexities without glamorizing its evident challenges.

In A REAL JOB, the school's crowded corridors and busy faculty rooms serve as the stage for a gripping narrative captured through Lilti's lens. The film takes us through day-to-day teaching life, balancing the tension with moments of levity found in debates and teachers' lounge banter. These scenes do more than entertain; they underscore the solidarity and humor that fortify educators against the trials of their vocation.

The film's core strength lies in its character-driven narrative, where actors like François Cluzet and Adèle Exarchopoulos shine. Cluzet's portrayal of Pierre and Exarchopoulos's Meriem adds layers to the film, depicting teachers' battles while still performing their roles. Louise Bourgoin's Sandrine also stands out, offering a glimpse into the human side of educators that is rarely portrayed with such honesty. These characters enrich the storyline, drawing viewers deeper into the emotional landscape of teaching.

While A REAL JOB offers a compelling snapshot of educational life, it struggles with its flow. The film strings a series of poignant vignettes that sometimes lack a unifying thread. Subplots brimming with potential, like Sandrine's classroom confrontations and the budding rapport between Benjamin and Meriem, initiate deep dives into complex issues but often drift without resolution. This patchwork of compelling yet incomplete stories leaves viewers craving a more tightly woven narrative.

One of the film's missed opportunities is its treatment of the educational system's systemic issues. Topics like resource scarcity and teacher burnout are only briefly touched upon despite their potential to add significant depth to the story. This oversight is particularly notable given Lilti's previous success in addressing institutional challenges in his other works.

Nevertheless, A REAL JOB maintains its appeal through its authentic portrayal of the teaching profession. The film navigates the dual nature of teaching, depicting it as a job that demands immense dedication and emotional resilience. The scenes where teachers unite to tackle daily challenges highlight the community spirit endemic to educational settings, painting a portrait of heroism that resonates with realism.

Lacoste delivers a remarkable performance as Benjamin, capturing the naivety and eventual growth of a man who finds his calling in the chaos of teaching. His journey is supported by a cast that brings authenticity and depth to their roles, making every scene resonate with genuine emotion.

A REAL JOB is a cinematic ode to education's unsung heroes. It combines the gritty reality of teacher life with the personal triumphs and defeats that shape their world. For anyone looking for a movie that blends real-life drama with heartfelt performances, Thomas Lilti’s latest work is not just a film; it's a profound journey into the heart of education, offering insights and inspiration in equal measure.

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[photo courtesy of DISTRIB FILMS, ICARUS FILMS]

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