Watch It All Starts Today

It All Starts Today is a French drama film from 1999, directed by Bertrand Tavernier. The film tells the story of Daniel Lefebvre (played by Philippe Torreton), a dedicated schoolteacher in a small, economically-depressed town in northern France. Lefebvre is a kind and compassionate man, who is deeply committed to his students and to helping them overcome the obstacles that poverty and neglect have placed in their way.

The film is set in the late 1990s, against the backdrop of a town that is struggling to survive in a world that has left it behind. The unemployment rate is high, the factories have closed down, and many of the people who remain are struggling to make ends meet. In the face of all this hardship, Lefebvre is a beacon of hope for his students, inspiring them to believe in themselves and to strive for a brighter future.

Throughout the film, we see Lefebvre going above and beyond for his students, whether it's arranging for meals to be provided, taking them on field trips, or simply being there to listen when they need someone to talk to. He is a tireless advocate for the young people in his care, and his devotion is truly inspiring.

One of Lefebvre's students is a young girl named Josephine (played by Maria Pitarresi), who lives with her mother in a run-down apartment building. Josephine is shy and withdrawn, but Lefebvre sees something special in her, and he works tirelessly to help her overcome her insecurities and build her self-confidence. In the end, Josephine blossoms under his care, and her transformation is a testament to the power of a caring teacher.

Another of Lefebvre's students is a young boy named Régis (played by Sylvain Delhomme), who is struggling with a difficult home life. His mother is abusive and neglectful, and Régis often comes to school hungry and tired. Lefebvre takes him under his wing, helping him to cope with his situation and inspiring him to do better. Régis too is transformed under Lefebvre's care, and his story is a poignant reminder of the impact that one person can have on another's life.

Along the way, we also meet some of the other people in the town - other teachers, parents, and community members - all of whom are struggling to make sense of the world around them. Through their stories, we see the extent of the poverty and neglect that has taken hold in this once-vibrant community, and we see the toll that it has taken on its people's spirits.

Despite the film's heavy subject matter, it is not without moments of lightness and humor. At its heart, It All Starts Today is a celebration of the human spirit, and of the power of one person to make a difference in the lives of others. Its message is one of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is still the possibility of a better tomorrow.

In summary, It All Starts Today is a deeply moving and powerful film, anchored by a remarkable performance from Philippe Torreton as the dedicated and compassionate schoolteacher at its center. With its themes of poverty, neglect, and struggle, the film is a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by so many in our world today. But it is also an inspiring tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and a testament to the power of kindness, compassion, and hope.