The Race - Fernes Ziel

A minor, understated classic with exceptional acting from the staff and a raw realism from the pupils. The story follows a teacher Steve (played brilliantly by Ian Hart) starting a new job at a Special needs school. He has to become accepted by the pupils as a teacher, but more than that, wants to reach the children as individuals. Steve discovers a common interest of cross-country running with Conrad, the pupil who's been there the longest. This common interest proves a good form of communication between the two to begin with, but goes on to unite the Children as well. Played with an underlying sense of humour, but for me the acting is what really makes this film work so well.

I first saw this film on television in early 1999. It is a magical, touching movie which is also very sad. Vadim Jean the director first came out with Leon The Pig Farmer which I didn't think much of. I can't believe the same person then came out with this fantastic film which I watch at least once a week. The characterisations are very perceptive. The way some of the people talk and behave in this film is very true to life. This film has humour, tragedy and magic. All round highly recommended. If you liked Rob Reiner' Stand By Me you should love this film.

Clockwork mice is up there with the British classics. I feel that it has all the ingredients that make a good quality British movie. Great story, believable characters, great acting and beautifully filmed. As somebody that works with children who have behavioral difficulties, I recognise many of the characters and situations within the film. I also recognise some of the world weary cynicism of the longer serving members of staff when faced with the fresh faced optimism of the new teacher (shame he went on to become Voldemort really!).

So why the heck was the DVD withdrawn in under a year??? blessed if I know.

I love this movie, and that's not something I can say about many. It's an awkward topic, often covered up, and opens our eyes to a part fo a world that we rarely see if we even think of it. Who deals with the abused, fragile, vulnerable and awkward children in our society? Who tries to make a difference to these lives, and in the end, who avoids being worn down by it? The teachers are shown as human, the children are characters, and the outside world doesn't exist, almost as if they're all shut away and forgotten. Even the running scenes have no other signs of life, as if the rest of the world doesn't exist any more. Just these walls, these kids, and these teachers. Ruaidhri Conroy is superb; he projects the genuine air of detachment that many of these children have; a world which has mistreated them, ignored them and shut them away, so that you rely on yourself alone, and deal with things on your own terms - yet it is this detachment that ultimately leads to disaster. You follow your own rules, and the real world bites back. No wonder that the teachers break, and hurt, and find whatever comfort they can amongst themselves, and the Headmaster, John Alderton, portrays that wonderful 'seen it all before' aura of a man that is fazed by nothing, but has learned to take things in his stride and deal with whatever comes. In some ways it's a fairytale existence; there are no drugs, no sexual abuse amongst the kids, none of the extreme behaviour that, believe me, goes on, but it's not a film for brutality or realism such as we'd see in 'Scum', just a small slice of a very different life. Watch it if you can find it.