The Teacher (2023) User Reviews

A teacher saving 1002 souls.

[k-alghossein · 9/10 · 22 May 2024]

Farah Nabulsi's "The Teacher" is a deeply moving film that captures the reality of the Israeli occupation, it's apartheid system the the ongoing ethnic cleaninsing of the Palestinian people through the eyes of Sami (Saleh Bakri / The Present, The Blue Caftan), a devoted schoolteacher.

Sami's world shattered once again when he sees his student Yacoub being brutally slaughtered by a settler with no remorse.

Sami's journey is one of profound sacrifice and resilience.

Saleh Bakri's portrayal of Sami is breathtaking, capturing the teacher's inner turmoil and unwavering commitment to his people with an intensity that leaves a lasting impact.

Nabulsi's direction is masterful, painting a raw picture of life under occupation.

The screenplay, written by Nabulsi, is both poignant and powerful, weaving personal anguish with the broader political narrative. Dialogues are charged with unspoken pain and hope, reflecting the harsh realities faced daily by the characters.

It's a story of enduring spirit, the power of education, and the sacrifices made for justice and freedom. Farah Nabulsi has created a film that is not only essential viewing but one that deeply touches the heart, urging us to see beyond.

A beautiful, heart-wrenching story

[lawrencewinter-99236 · 10/10 · 11 February 2024]

This film floored me. I left the cinema both feeling the devastating hopelessness of the Teacher's life story, and yet my heart was filled with hope at the courage, hope and resilience he had.

The story of Palestine is filled with repeat patterns, and the life of this teacher is no different. With a few burdens and baggage of his own he finds himself embroiled in the unfolding tragedy of a young boy who loses his brother in scuffle with a pack of settlers. The teacher mentors this boy and ultimately ends up with a choice to make right some of his own demons.

The story is beautifully told and narrates the complex struggles of the situation in a profoundly elegant manner. It's a story of incredible loss, courage, love, tragedy, regret second chances and sacrifice. The score pays a prefect compliment to the film in its haunting, beautiful simplicity. A true film for the ages, this one hit a home run for me.