The Chorus

Classroom behaviour

THE CHORUS

Cert. 12A

Director: Christopher Barratier

French with English subtitles

Set in post-war France in 1949, this is a mild redemption story. It concerns the work of one bald, plump middle-aged teacher as he works for a few months in a school for difficult boys until inevitably he is sacked in the summer term.

The headmaster keeps discipline through beating and solitary confinement. His motto is that every action must meet with a reaction. By contrast, and somewhat idealistically, our teacher, whose real love is music, begins a choir among the boys, through which eventually their disruptive behaviour is transformed, and all unbeknown to him, sparks the gift in at least one of the pupils who goes on to become a great conductor.

One has to say that there are some magnificent choir pieces in the film, and Gerard Jugnot as the teacher is fascinating in the part. There are a number of incidents, including the introduction of a thoroughly bad lad who is aggressive and provides enough earthiness to the plot to keep it from becoming totally unrealistic. Are people changed by threats and punishment represented by the headmaster, or by humanity and kindness represented by the teacher and his music? As Christians we see here the interplay between the law and the gospel.

The film has been an immense success in many countries, especially its native France and is full of images of God’s humanity. The story’s power is in the hope it gives to lowly people. Here is an insignificant schoolteacher, who sees himself as a failed musician, yet without realising it has had an astonishing impact for good. ‘Could it be’, the audience are left thinking, ‘that my life has more significance than I realise?’ People do yearn for true significance. But, of course, true significance can only be found in the things of the eternal God who is found through Christ alone.