Thanks ot our nice and considerate cinéma projectionist, Didier Godier, we were given the possibility watching 'Zéro de conduite' with the subtitle 'Jeunes diables au collège' ('Zéro in conduct', - Young Devils at college', freely translated). Director: Jean Vigo.
This was at the time - 1933 - a very controversial film for many reasons.
It's at story about a group of young students returning to boarding school after the summer holidays, without joy or enthusiasm, not least because they are met by teachers who limit their liberty, penalising them for each and every path they take, being judged as 'going astray'.
The title refers of course to the grade some of them are being 'rewarded' after having infringed some - or many - of the rules at school.
Only one teacher looks upon them in a more understanding way, not being as strict himself in his teaching and practice.
A revolt is being planned and executed during a school celebration with different dignitaries being present, finally liberating not least the four principal 'rioters'.
Not only are the young students using 'foul language' but the film also depicts homosexuality (between two of the boys, one being very 'girlish') and pedophilia (one of the teachers also being interested in the same boy), all this leading to that the film was banned until 1946(!) in France.
The story is however very modern and the film have been very influential not only in the world of film making but in the shaping of societal norms, or perhaps the violation of traditional norms and ideas.
Vigo uses an interesting film language and cutting technique, also making this film a visually intersting piece of work.
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