Front of the Class

Have you ever heard about Tourette's Syndrome? Do you know what it means and what effects it has?

I hadn't heard about it before I watched "Front of the Class".

As a parent and as a teacher, I would definitely recommend watching this film. The plot centres around a man dealing with the challenge of Tourette's Syndrom. It shows us how it affects his life from childhood and how he manages to overcome all the obstacles at the beginning with his mother's help then thanks to his perseverance. The plot is based on a true story which follows the life of Brad Cohen.

The movie is thoroughly engaging with a light and merry music. James Wolk is brilliant in the role of Brad with an excellent imitation of the syndrome's voices and no, it is not funny or cynical. One just needs to see it in order to understand it.

I really enjoyed this moving film for the different uplifting messages we can learn from it. First of all it has a hint of optimism. Then, it gives us a different insight on handicaped or annoying children and how we can just look for the treasures that lay inside them despite all the appearances. As educators, I really think we should strive to help kids bring their inner treasures out (although it is generally very hard).

Inspiring is also the hero's struggle to fulfill his dream to become a teacher. For that  he has to overcome many hurdles and the first one is how people look at him and even his father doesn't believe in his abilities. The fact that he is not discouraged and becomes a gifted teacher is outstanding in my eyes.

"Front of the Class", the hero being whether a child or a teacher, a touching movie which depicts the hero's struggle to have a normal life, will not let you stay indifferent.