The Teacher – Ucitelka (2016)

Directed by: Jan Hrebejk | 102 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Zuzana Mauréry, Zuzana Konecná, Csongor Kassai, Tamara Fischer, Martin Havelka, Éva Bandor, Oliver Oswald, Peter Bebjak, Richard Labuda, Inka Gogálová, Monika Certezni

The Slovak ‘The Teacher’ proves that communism and opportunism do not mix. This film shows where abuse of power leads. The setting is 1983’s Czechoslovakia when communism was rampant. Director Jan Hrebejk paints a picture of a time in which the poor of communism held a country in its grip and in which a corrupt and shrewd teacher could thrive.

When teacher Maria Drazděchová (Zuzana Mauréry) starts at a primary school in Bratislava, she asks her students to introduce themselves. What she finds much more interesting, however, is the occupation of her pupils’ parents. In exchange for good grades, Mom and Dad get to do chores for the teacher. Soon the teacher gets free haircuts, groceries and meals. If a job is not completed satisfactorily, this results in unsatisfactory results for their offspring.

Naturally, the teacher’s demands become more grotesque and the bomb explodes. The point, however, is that the teacher is the widow of a highly regarded military man. Her influence within the Communist Party is great and the teacher benefits from that. Going against her is not without consequences. If a number of parents convene a meeting and start a petition to send the teacher away, this creates friction. Not everyone dares to sign for fear of reprisals.

‘The Teacher’ paints a disturbing picture of abuse of power. Mauréry plays a starring role as a teacher who tries to put everyone on the line. Her natural playing and charming appearance ensure that this kenau never becomes a caricature. You’re looking at a real person. On one side it is even understandable why she does that. The power gives her a kick and it gives her a lot of prestige in the village. In a wrong way, but still. The acting – also by the children and parents – is strong and the image of the time is very well taken. The costumes and sets really look eighties.

Director Jan Hrebejk has created a fascinating film. There is also room for humor, because the erratic demands of the teacher are sometimes laughable. The sometimes light-hearted tone prevents you from watching a melancholy film. In addition, the wrong clothing style and the cringe-inducing wallpaper make for a smile. ‘The Teacher’ is an impressive film in which the strong acting of the lead actress stands out.