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France · 1999
1h 57m
Director Bertrand Tavernier
Starring Maria Pitarresi, Philippe Torreton, Nadia Kaci, Véronique Ataly
Genre Drama
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Set in a forlorn mining town near Valencienne in the north of France, the story is about one man's struggle to bring life to his once prosperous village and its inhabitants. Philippe Torreton, who won a César for Best Actor with his title role in Capitaine Conan, plays Daniel, the head teacher of a nursery school in a town demoralized by unemployment. Daniel is determined against all odds to bring life to the community. When a parent who has come to pick up her children collapses at the school grounds due to alcohol abuse, and social services turns a deaf ear to all pleas for help, Daniel decides to take the law into his own hands. Despite resistance from the townspeople, in the long run his efforts are not fruitless.
Tavernier gives the children vivid, sharply delineated voices; working with a largely nonprofessional cast, he strips bare the characters' frailty but grants them a decency and honesty that redeems them despite the mounting hardships and tragedies.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Tavernier's compassionate views and long filmmaking experience shine through this eloquently acted drama.
A warm, often invigorating and ultimately moving ode to community values.
A terrific piece of neo-realistic filmmaking.
New York Daily News by Jami Bernard
It's an amazing slice-of-life story that will make you want to rush home and hug the kids.
A superb performance from Torreton, easily one of the finest actors working in France today.
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
Although there is real pain and suffering in It All Starts Today, it is too impassioned, too brisk and too embracing of life and human foibles to be depressing.
Well worth seeing for the terrific performances.
Village Voice by Michael Atkinson
Dynamic but preachy.
San Francisco Chronicle by Wesley Morris
This is a film about small victories, huge defeats and finding the will to keep fighting.
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