Learn Life Lessons With Mr. Bachmann
The Journey of a German Classroom
reassures those who scored lower by saying, “These grades do not reflect who you are.” This isn’t to say that Mr. Bachmann was easy on his class. In one pivotal moment, the teacher reprimands a student for acting unkind to a classmate. When the student provides a halfhearted excuse, Bachmann replies, “I don’t really believe that, but I’ll treat it as though it were sincere.” The student can clearly feel the teacher’s disappointment despite no obvious scolding or berating. Mr. Bachmann guides his students with a genuine heart and a steady hand. The affectionate film immerses the viewers in Bachmann’s classroom to witness the evolution of the students. Whether watching those who decide to spend their lunch hour with him in his classroom and others who share
The documentary “Mr. Bachmann and His Class” shows how a small-town German teacher helps his diverse students feel at home. This heartfelt documentary even won several awards, including the Silver Bear, at the Berlin International Film Festival because of its simple, uplifting message. In the film, the rural town of Stadtallendorf has a history of employing migrant workers dating back to World War II. Despite having many immigrants in the city, Stadtallendorf has a history of excluding non-German residents. This divide is an issue that weighs heavily on students. In a classroom of 12–13-year-old students from different countries, Dieter Bachmann uses his authentic positivity to help each student become confident about their own potential. In one scene, after returning graded assignments to his students, he
their most vulnerable feelings, viewers realize that all of these students needed an educator who showed sympathy and kindness. “Mr. Bachmann and His Class” follows the magnetic bunch until retirement. While there are plenty of films about heroic teachers, this gentle documentary reveals more about how all it takes is genuine interest and effort to change students’ lives.
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