In 2023, the French dramedy A Real Job (Un métier sérieux) captured attention as a moving and realistic portrayal of education. Written and directed by Thomas Lilti who previously made films about medical settings like Hippocrates and Irreplaceable this film shifts the spotlight to another essential profession in the public sphere: teaching. Through the perspective of young Benjamin Barrois, the story explores the challenges, breakthroughs, and heartfelt moments within a suburban French collège (middle school), offering audiences a nuanced look at a profession often taken for granted.
Setting the Stage: A Profession Under Pressure
Benjamin Barrois (Vincent Lacoste) is a PhD student whose scholarship falls through just when he needs it most. Under pressure from his parents and struggling with financial uncertainty, he takes a job as a substitute math teacher at Victor Hugo School, despite having no formal training in education.
Why the Film Resonates
- Shines a light on the daily reality of teaching: classroom management, parent interactions, and administrative obstacles
- Highlights underfunded educational institutions in a relatable, human way
- Poses a subtle critique of societal expectations and systemic pressures on educators
Reaction from critics emphasizes its authenticity and emotional resonance: Télérama praised it for its mosaic approach to school life, and Cineuropa commended its funny, instructive and moving take on educators’ lives.
The Ensemble Cast: Portraits of a School Community
One of the film’s strengths lies in its ensemble, led by Vincent Lacoste as Benjamin, navigating a daunting new world. Alongside him:
- François Cluzetplays veteran French teacher Pierre Etcheveray, experienced yet weighed down by his own parenting challenges.
- Adèle Exarchopoulosportrays Meriem, a mathematics teacher balancing work and single parenthood.
- Louise Bourgoinappears as Sandrine, a science teacher nearing burnout.
- William Lebghilis Fouad, the English teacher who offers humor and insight.
Together, this staff forms an organic support network, reflecting both personal and professional struggles bonding over shared responsibilities and the fragility of a system in need of solidarity.
On-Screen Dynamics and Storytelling
Lilti’s approach is observational yet emotionally rich. Rather than dramatize or exaggerate, the film offers day-in-the-life scenes: supervising recess, handling a disruptive student, or helping a struggling teen. This naturalism is paired with character moments unfolding off-campus family dinners, car rides, private reflections making the challenges of teaching feel lived-in and urgent.
Key Themes
- Adaptability: Benjamin evolves from hesitant academic to engaged educator.
- Community Support: Teachers rely on one another to persevere.
- Systemic Failings: Budget cuts and reforms underscore the stress placed on public schools.
- Human Connection: Small gestures a student’s smile, a colleague’s advice carry profound weight.
Production and Reception Highlights
Filmed in early 2022 across schools in ÃledeFrance including Vitry-sur-Seine, Pantin, and Meudon Un métier sérieux grounds itself in real educational settings.
The movie premiered theatrically in France on 13 September 2023 and was featured out of competition at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. , .
The Importance of a Serious Profession
A Real Job underscores why teaching deserves respect. Its French title, Un métier sérieux, translates literally to a serious profession, challenging audiences to rethink how educators are valued and supported. The film positions teaching as intellectually, emotionally, and socially demanding far beyond the cliched image of a desk-bound job.
Reflections and Takeaways
- Promotes better understanding of teacher burnout and the need for improved school funding.
- Suggests that investment in education is fundamental for future generations.
- Builds empathy by highlighting stories that echo wider global struggles in education.
A Timely and Compassionate Portrait
A Real Job (Un métier sérieux) may appear modest in ambition, but its heart is undeniable. Through Benjamin and his peers, the film portrays the complexities of teaching with warmth, honesty, and care. It avoids sentimentality while honoring educators’ resilience and the bonds they create. In 2023, amidst debates on education reform and social equity, this movie serves as both timely commentary and empathetic tribute.
For anyone interested in realistic storytelling, systemic narratives, or character-driven ensemble dramas, A Real Job invites a reflective viewing experience. It reminds us: teaching is indeed a serious profession.
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