It All Starts Today

It All Starts Today is a fictional film that portrays societal issues in a French setting. Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, the film's release took place in the year 1999. The movie stars accomplished actors Philippe Torreton, Maria Pitarresi, and Nadia Kaci, who breathe remarkable life into their individual characters.

The drama-packed film is set in Northern France's old mining town, Anzin, which mirrors many real-life communities across France and many other parts of the world. The town's economic downturn is prominently felt. But these aren't the only problems faced by the townsfolk. The central focus is on the day-to-day complications that the inhabitants confront, through the eyes of the educators.

The movie revolves around Daniel Lefebvre (Phillipe Torreton), a principled and easy-going kindergarten headmaster who becomes increasingly concerned about the encroaching extent of child neglect and abuse in the local school where he works. This is a school in a town that is suffering from increasing unemployment rates and poverty, where social services appear to be either reduced or totally absent.

Though the movie takes on a seemingly familiar narrative about poverty and despair, it finds a fresh perspective by focusing on the tormented lives of the children who are neglected and those professionals who try to help them. Daniel confronts situations that are beyond his control. As an educator, he bears witness to the unimaginable hardships and awkward conditions the children have to confront each day. Yet, he tries to bring joy, laughter and also provides nurturing care to his students whilst striving to make the school the only comprehensible haven for these young souls.

The story even takes a more personal lurch when Daniel has to risk his health and family happiness in his striving attempts to fight bureaucratic indifference and slothfulness so as to improve the lives of these children. His wife (Maria Pitarresi) and their own child form the nurturing backbone and steady support that he draws strength from.

The film moves to the rhythm of the character's struggle to rise above a seemingly impossible task of getting help. In doing so, the film presents a powerful representation of the significant impact that educators can have on the lives of their students, and the personal toll that this role can take on their lives.

Visually, the film is stark and unflinching in its portrayal of the town and the lives of its inhabitants. However, it also has moments of genuine warmth and hilarity that show the robust spirit of the characters, suggesting that hope and resilience can be found even amidst despair.

It All Starts Today does not try to be a heart-rending sermon on poverty and social stratification. Instead, it chronicles the hardships, the resilience, and portrays these characters, not as victims, but as fighters who strive to confront their situations. There are no heroes or villains here, only human beings forced to navigate their way through testing circumstances.

The movie also features a central romantic plotline between Daniel and a young mother, Mrs. Tiebault (Nadia Kaci). This relationship adds another layer to the film, presenting the possibility of personal happiness even amidst professional struggle.

The complexities of the film are beautifully underscored by the intense performances of Torreton, Pitarresi, and Kaci. Their embodied characters render human dimensions to this societal issue, offering a stark reminder of what it means to be an educator in a context where resources are scarce, yet the responsibilities are immense.

It All Starts Today is a grittily realistic film that serves as a profound ode to educators and social workers, facing tough conditions and bearing the enormous responsibility of shaping young minds. It underlines the importance of education, not just as a tool for teaching academic subjects, but as a potent instrument capable of salvaging children from desolation, and placing them onto the path of social and personal development.

This film is not just a commentary on poverty, educational systems, and socio-economic barriers. It’s also steeped in humanity, resilience and the heroism of everyday life. Filled with compassion, conviction and realism, 'It All Starts Today' is a powerfully moving drama steeply grounded in the human spirit's struggle and resilience.