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Documentary backdrop image for To Be and to Have (2002)
104 minNRdocumentaryWorth seeking out
7.3/ 10(152 ratings)• TMDB

Synopsis

A class of mixed ages, ranging from four to twelve years old, is taught by Georges Lopez in a small rural school in France.

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What Critics Say

Screen Daily
A film to play truant for, To Be And To Have is a warm, serene look at primary education in the French heartlands.
Deep Dive

Why Watch

  • Meet Mr. Lopez, a dedicated teacher in rural France.
  • Follow the lives of mixed-age students in a small class.
  • See the impact of unexpected fame on young children.

Did You Know

  • The film was screened at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival as 'Out of Competition'.
  • Mr. Lopez attempted to sue the filmmakers for a share of the €2 million profit.
  • The film holds a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 59 reviews.
  • One child experienced distress and started wetting the bed after the film's release.

Perfect For

Education enthusiastsDocumentary loversRural school dynamics
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approval rating of To Be and to Have on Rotten Tomatoes?

To Be and to Have holds an approval rating of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 59 reviews.

Who directed the documentary To Be and to Have?

To Be and to Have was directed by Nicolas Philibert.

What legal action did the teacher Mr. Lopez take regarding the film?

Mr. Lopez attempted to sue the documentary's makers for a share of the €2 million profit, claiming exploitation of his image without authorization.

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