Movie Review -------Les Choristes The movie started with an old man Pierre who is by now a great conductor has been awaken by the death of his mother. Then after the funeral, he was visited by his old classmate Pepinot who offered him a diary of Clement Mathieu, their teacher 50 years ago. That diary brought us back to the story of him and his students. When Mathieu first arrived at “Fond de L'Etang” a prison-like school, the world was dim, not only for the kids, but every object in this school. But it’s not incorrigible, it’s not hopeless as the principle thought they were. The kids have kindness inside their heart despite their “evil” behaviours. They need something that they can chase for, something that combines then together, that give them chance to show their talents and characters. Mathieu found music for them. After the chorus was started, changes were brought to the school. They were still naughty boys like playing practical jokes, but when they were singing, they can put their heart into it. There are several points of Mathieu’s teaching methods and features made him a great teacher and made this film touching. First, he respected every of his students, protected their self-esteem. Abuse of punishment never solve problems but make them worse. The first thing he did was dealing with Le Querrec who did something in the door of uncle Maxence. He didn’t send him to the principle, but let him give a hand to the hospital as a lesson. When uncle Maxence’s illness got worse, the helpless looking of Le Querrec’s when he asked if Maxence would be dead told us that this lesson was much better than a confine. Second, he cared about his kids, not like the principle who had personal storage but won’t let the children bath with warm water. Mathieu always know what exactly students want. He told Pierre’s mother that he went to fill a tooth instead of telling her he was punished; he let Pierre sing his solo when the charity came to listen; he brought the kids to Linong forest for having fun… He knew that his students need music, love and freedom, so he offered them. Last, he had the ability and the eyes to see others talents and beauty. Everyone has some unpleasant past and quality, but Mathieu saw the bright side. Corbin sang well and can play harmonica, Mondain was a great an only baritone in class, Pierre was brilliant in singing despite no one ever taught him to. That’s what a great teacher like. Care about the students, understand the students, listen to them and protect them.