The Teachers' Lounge (2023) User Reviews

SPOILER, the ending explained IMO

[nyccents · 8/10 · 27 January 2024]

I give this movie only 8 stars because I think for many people, they did not get the ending--as I see it. And frankly the ending is sort of critical given the "math" theme throughout the film.

Many people have commented that the ending doesn't matter as the movie highlights human nature/racism/etc etc.

The ending does matter as the theme throughout the movie is binary-- good/bad; truth/falsehood; empathy/rule-following, etc. The film writer uses math throughout the movie to make the point because math too, is binary--you either have the right answer or you don't! Here is my take on the ending.

The student comes back to school and won't leave her classroom because (by deduction) he realizes that his mother IS GUILTY. Several indications-- the opening scene when he proves that the .001 difference between .999 and 1.0 is actually irrelevant. They are equal. (he does an equation to show this) In the movie, we have .999 "evidence" of the mother's guilt with the video and opportunity, etc.

Secondly, when the student comes back to school despite being expelled it is because he knows the teacher is actually correct and she is "truth". And we see a tear dropping down his cheek.

Third, when his cell phone is ringing, most likely his mother, he refuses to answer it. We can interpret this as home no longer being his sanctuary. After having zealously defended his mother, now he is ignoring her. Something has changed.

And lastly, he figures out the Rubik cube which again, is math which is binary--right or wrong/ truth or falsehood. The Rubik cube is solved by algorithms, and most likely, metaphorically speaking --the pieces fall into place at home and he realizes his mother did steal the money.

Subplot-- perhaps the mother did not have the money needed for the class trip.

what is right

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 24 January 2024]

Greetings again from the darkness. The intensity and stress of everyday life and of everyday people are on full display in this film from writer-director Iler Catak and co-writer Johannes Duncker. They have brilliantly crafted a terrific suspense thriller from the most unexpected setting and group of characters ... a junior high school and the faculty and students.

Teacher Carla Nowak (Leone Benesch, THE WHITE RIBBON, "Babylon Berlin") is new to the school, originally hailing from Poland. She's the type of teacher who motivates students by having them think creatively and from different perspectives. We can immediately tell she's as idealistic as she is passionate about her profession. When one of her students is accused of stealing money, she's at odds with school principal Dr Bohm (Anne-Kathrin Gummich) on the interrogation of students, as well as the conference with the accused student's parents.

It turns out there is quite an epidemic of theft and dishonesty at the school, and it extends to the titular teachers' lounge where Carla herself witnesses an occurrence. Carla decides to set a trap using her laptop's camera and her unattended wallet. When the camera 'catches' the sleeve of an unusual blouse print, Carla confronts the 'obvious' culprit, school administrator Ms. Kuhn (Eva Lobau), who adamantly denies the accusation. Further complicating matters, Carla shows the video to Dr Bohm, who promptly suspends Ms. Kuhn, who also happens to be the mother of Carla's favorite student, Oskar (Leonard Stettnisch).

Carla's best intentions seem to backfire at every turn. She believes in right and wrong, and also in forgiveness and second chances (especially for kids). Her anxiety heightens at each misstep, whether by her, the administration, or students. Soon, even Oskar is lashing out and threatening her, despite Carla's attempt to shield him. Many find Carla's use of the laptop camera more offensive than the actual theft, and the student newspaper journalists seize on this opportunity to incite rebellion and independence.

Much of what we witness on screen is the result of actions taken out of our sightline - we are left to make assumptions right alongside Carla. Film Editor Gesa Jager deserves special recognition for keeping us just a bit off balance. Emptying the teacher's coffee fund, cheating on a test, defying the truth ... all of these (and more) actions are used by filmmaker Catak in delivering a snapshot of a society where we no longer trust one another. Morality, integrity, misplaced concern, racism, classism ... these all play a role here in delivering the message. Leone Benesch is exceptional in the lead role, and Eva Lobau goes full throttle in her attempts to show she was wronged. It's a Rubik's Cube that serves up our final message, as well as providing some hope that good intentions do sometimes pay off. Yesterday, it was announced that the film has been Oscar nominated for Best International Feature Film. A well-deserved honor.

Opens in theaters on January 26, 2024.

Provocative and Harrowing

[Sees All · 8/10 · 10 February 2024]

It was never easy to be a good teacher, but it's even harder today with virtually everyone having a political agenda. A young teacher has a series of thefts in her class. She reports it to the administration, but they only make things worse. She discreetly tries to get to the bottom of it herself, only to make things still worse. Lots of fingers are pointed in a lot of different directions. Anyone who has ever been falsely accused will find this a very disturbing movie. It is so well acted that it seems like a documentary, rather than fiction. This film and AMERICAN FICTION both show what horrible little prigs today's young people have been turned into. They are basically good and want to do the right thing, but they know in their heart of hearts that they are morally superior. This movie made me glad that I am not a teacher today. This is a rivetingly suspenseful movie that is quite harrowing at times. It asks some disturbing questions and doesn't provide easy answers. This is easily one of the year's best films in a year of strong contenders. This is a German film in the German language, but it could just as easily take place anywhere in the Western world. This is a movie that thinking people can appreciate.

Great Movie.

[fabbio786 · 9/10 · 7 February 2024]

I am a high school teacher, and this movie made me reflect on the educator's place in school. The film takes me to Plato's Republic, where it presents the dilemma "it is better to be than to appear virtuous." The protagonist leads us to moments of anguish with her quest for justice, honesty, and virtue in an environment governed by conflicting and often cruel moral issues. Actress Leonie Benesch's performance is confident, brilliantly conveying the emotions experienced by the character. For now, I consider "Das Lehrerzimmer" a real contender to win the award for Best Foreign Film in 2024; it's my choice.

Had me captivated

[jtindahouse · 9/10 · 12 January 2024]

I've always said being a teacher would be the worst job on Earth. I'm not sure if it was the point of 'The Teachers' Lounge' to prove my theory right, but it certainly did that. This was nightmare fuel and we see it all from the point of view of the teacher. I lost count of how many times I said out loud, "just quit and move to the other side of the country and become a farmer" (or something to that effect).

This film had no business being as captivating as it was. I was hooked on every word and needed to know what direction it was going to go in next. It's again proof that if you have good dialogue and an interesting story, action sequences of any kind are completely unnecessary for a film to be interesting.

I haven't watched many German films, but if this is an indication of their quality then I would happily watch more. 9/10.

admirable realism

[Kirpianuscus · 26 February 2024]

I am teacher. I saw this admirable film only from this perspective, admiring its high realism, recognizing ordinary, almost every day crisis, understanding the power , bigger and bigger , decade by decade, of students , their cruelty - not different by the characters of William Golding in The Lord of Flies.

I real loved the performance of Leonie Benesch. I appreciated the fair crafted tension. And the end , I believe, is pure great.

The story - chains of a clash. A terrible one because it is between values, truths, the victim being the honesty, noble intentions, the spirit of dedication and justice of a young teacher, devouted, maybe in too high measure, to her job.

The young actors are just fantastic.

At the end, the hope than the Oscar for Best International Feature Film goes to Das Lehrerzimmer.

Good

[erhanipekciler · 7/10 · 18 February 2024]

Well, I watched this movie last week on theathre and first of all I really really hate open ending stories! I want some answers but I don't want my own. You know the story and I will not give spoiler. Main character teacher Carla was wonderful. Really good characterizations in the movie. Actually everybody was perfect. When I was watching movie, I thought a little politics and governments, also my country problems ( and others) because this movie was like small version of that too. For me, who has power of manipulation, always win. Story was all about that. It is a good movie and highly recommend to watch. In my opinion no need to go for cinema, kind of movie that suitable watch at home.

Frustatingly good.

[rb-51994 · 9/10 · 26 October 2023]

Being German, i actually really dislike most of my nation's dramas, mostly for their bleak depiction of nearly everything. An unrewarding depression mood, intertwined with bursts of out-of-place screams and violence. But this movie hit different - in the most frustatingly positive ways possible.

The central character is the overambitious teacher Carla Novak who began to teach at a German highschool, being silently confronted and appalled by the zero tolerance politics of the institution. The plot revolves around the dark grey areas of such a strict set of rules, as a series of thefts begin to disturb the carefully constructed but fragile peace. Racial profiling. Anauthorized searches. Between all of this stands our protagonist. And then she seemingly finds the culprit... with even more consequences she herself could not have imagined.

First of all - nearly every character can be seen as unlikeable in a certain way at the end of the movie, even Carla. Students. Teachers. Parents. Everyone hits different. Everybody get's the chance to shine in a negative light. And different ideals and opinions clash. That's a strange achievement. And it's strangely a good one.

The actors are playing their parts so well and natural. Especially the dynamic between lead Leonie Benesch's character and Leonards Stettnisch's Oskar is a stand-out. At some points there are not even words needed - just some uncomfortable staring contests.

The movie sticks close to the people but is cold trough its use of muted blue-white colors and beautifully captured through a claustrophobic 4:3 lens. The music is simple and effective with a minimalistic silence, a dissonance for an overly stressful confrontation and pompous score for the outro.

Ambition, failings and social dynamics are going hand in hand. They substitute the topic of theft quite fast through the mid point of the movie. Who does support the other one's believes and who is there to challenge them? Is everything well-meant actually good?

And we get an open end. Maybe to open. No big scale thriumph over the other. No real culprit and no real solution. Just an empty school. An empty microcosm that was inhabited by themes of communicational misteps, distrust, mobbing, fake personalities, moral ambiguity, ... you name it.

You may be leaving the cinema with different opinions and ideas. And that's the best thing a movie can achieve. Even if it isn't going to satisfy all movie goers

Prepare for school. Watch it. Be frustrated.

Can't really understand the high praise

[kiessigian · 6/10 · 14 October 2023]

A special surrealism runs through the film because of the often radical behavior of the school towards the students. I often even had to think of Die Welle or 1984. In my opinion, the film fails to be a truly realistic study of the school environment.

The film generally aims for a very realistic production, almost documentary-like, which also makes it possible to show a (mostly) believable relationship between teacher and student, but does not manage to realistically portray the teachers and how they interact with each other. The dialogue is mostly so stilted and feels so fake, and the behavior of individual teachers is so naive and simple-minded that it was very difficult for me to empathize with the individual characters and especially with the main character. I also asked myself whether one should actually find the main character likeable, should exactly the opposite be the case, or should she only move in gray areas. I found you to be mostly the former. In general, you don't learn anything at all about the characters, what they are like, what experiences they may have had with students before, and how these experiences have shaped them. But since the dialogues are so flat and most of the scenes don't have the intensity that the film probably assumes they have, it quickly became very tiring and I had to smile about many of the discussions between the teachers because I often didn't even notice them seriouscould take.

The film definitely has its moments, especially in scenes that are left for a long time, which really have an impact. This very cold and oppressive atmosphere also worked very well. In some places the film also resembles a horror film (e.g. When the teachergoes to the school newspaper and is interviewed). Then, unfortunately, you are taken back by the unrealistic behavior of the - especially older - students, which seems extremely fake and you ask yourself, would students really talk to a teacher like that, would they even dare to have such a conversation?

And it is precisely this naive behavior and the lack of insight into the students and teachers that simply destroys the film for me, especially because this behavior leads to other key points later in the film and thus advances the story.

In short, it definitely has its moments, builds a good atmosphere, is well acted, but ultimately it's too bold and too simple for me.

A intense yet fascinating and frustrating character study

[chenp-54708 · 8/10 · 29 November 2023]

Modern German cinema haven't been on my radar as while there are a few good German flicks coming around time to time, I haven't been fully wowed by them for some time. I had no idea what to expect going into this movie but this movie was frustrating but in a good way.

It's an interesting character study that explores themes of racial profiling, unauthorized searches, and the school system. Throughout, the camerawork use of 4:3 lens felt purposeful to surround the settings and tone and the direction is pretty strong. The directing, setting, sound designs and pacing help to capture the uncomfortable and intense atmosphere that is being surrounded around the environment and within the characters and the movie does a really good work on capturing the essence.

The characters can be frustrating and unlikeable to an extent but instead of being unbearable, the portrayal of the unlikeable and frustrating characters felt purposeful because of the themes and writing concepts that were explored. Not often where movies are able to have many characters unlikeable, yet, managed to still be emotionally investing and engaging. All of the performances are amazing especially the lead performance from Leonie Benesch as Benesch is absolutely amazing. Even the child actors are great as well.

Many of the social dynamics were well-explored within the simple setting, the pacing is great, and there are some good dialogue moments that genuinely helps to build the intense situations and realism it portrays. There are a few issues I had with the movie which is that I felt certain dialogue moments from the child performances felt a little too fake or staged and there are certain choices I thought could have been approached differently.

Overall, a fascinating and frustrating movie.

Formulaic festival movie

[16-9 · 6/10 · 3 March 2024]

If you are a logical person you won't like the movie because it doesn't have an ending, explanation or closure.

It follows the basic formula of a festival film:

• Have an irrational character act irrationally
• Put some depression into the main character
• Create doubts
• Don't explain anything, leave it to the viewers

This movie follows the formula step by step. The main character (a teacher) deals with a theft situation in the school. Some people involved act irrationally. The teacher is having troubles dealing with the situation.

The movie director deliberately sprinkles doubts and leaves them there. He chooses to focus on the teacher's feeling and actions. So he doesn't care about explaining anything. Just shows us how the teacher is trying to coup with all the drama. That's it.

I don't like it when writers/directors choose the easy road and leave things in the air. They can do both; show us the emotional journeys of the characters and still find a way for a closure.

Lesson

[kosmasp · 10/10 · 27 May 2023]

No pun intended - I am really hard on German dramas at times. Because I understand the language I may be able to detect flaws and bad acting - at least what I would call bad acting. Now let's not even go that direction, because this movie blew my mind. Yes I too can learn a or my lesson! This had me on the edge of my seat at times ... and the tension was ... you could feel it.

The direction, the acting, the cinematography, the sound design, the set and costumes ... this is really as good as I heard it was. And I can say that it will be in my top 20 movies of the year for sure! Yes I can say that at this point in time - there is no chance I will watch 20 other movies that are all better than this ... just not happening.

The title is giving a bit away, but actually not much. You know this plays at a school and that teachers are the main theme here ... obviously pupils will be a subject too ... more than one that is. And then you have ... well once something is set into motion ... as the Germans would say: wenn der Stein ins Rollen kommt ... which means the same thing as what was set in motion can't be stopped ... or does it? It is going to be hard for sure - and more than one players have to help make it happen.

Doing the right thing is not always the way to go. As the saying goes "no good deed goes unpunished" ... not being able to say what she thinks most of the time, restrictions and trying to connect both teacher world and student world kind of are tearing our main character apart ... a movie that is so rich and has so many things to discover about it ... I can't praise it enough ... let's lift it up in the air ... and with this I'll say goodbye and you can make up your own mind ...

Theft in the school system

[MB-reviewer185 · 6/10 · 31 December 2023]

I honestly was not expecting to watch this German film that came out in this year in 2023, but I wanted to give it a chance, and the premise seemed simple enough; after watching the film, I will say that it is not for everyone, and that this movie does take its time when going over certain elements that are part of the main premise. The German film The Teachers' Lounge (2023) has good performances, nice looking cinematography, and a premise involving theft at a school that, when you are trying to be on the main character's side, you can get invested enough so you want to know what happens next; I was on the side of the main teacher, but also, it brings you on either side with it being the main character's ideals and the school system.

All the performances from the actors are well done, especially the main character played by German actor Leonie Benesch, the character's name being Carla Nowak; she is a good teacher, and you can understand her choices when she is instructing the kids in her class, but once the theft that has been occurring affects her, you go back and forth wanting to be on board with her opinion on the situation and wondering about how the school system works. The kids in the class start affecting her when it comes to a certain accusation that takes place, and I like how her breaking from things she thought was the right thing to do affects her and her way of looking at the school system when comes to dealing with issues like this.

This film did not have much of an antagonist, but there are people who will act in a negative way, which leads to the main teacher trying to make amends with a kid and his parent, leading to difficult confrontations and ways to resolve the problem; eventually leading to the ending where it was hard to tell if things were resolved, but there were details that hinted at it. The cinematography was well shot, and the way the movie was executed was well done, but it takes its time; the movie might seem slow to some people who watch this, but I would say it gives build up to what might happen next in the plot because it includes paying attention to little details it might add, and question if the main character is doing the right thing.

Once again, this movie is not for everyone; but the German film The Teachers' Lounge (2023) is a well-made film with well-done performances, good tension, good cinematography, and things to think about. All those positives are what made the movie work for me, but the ending was a bit difficult to understand, and there some things I would have like more of an explanation on; but other than that, this movie is not bad, and it is only worth a watch if you like films like this where it takes its time in executing the premise to build up tension. Not a movie I will watch again, but I will say it was good enough for me to recommend it.

writers couldn't come up with a meaningful ending

[meierstefan · 5/10 · 14 December 2023]

Overall, a somewhat realistic look into German public school's teacher's lounges and classrooms. Not enough teachers, weird illogical procedures forced by the school leadership, children who don't study, some parents who don't care. Acting was okay. The children portrayed seventh grade students. Not sure if we talked or acted like that in seventh grade. Seemed a bit farfetched dialogue-wise. What I didn't like - as usual with German movies - that there is no satisfying end to the story. It just stops. Who was the thief? Why were the police carrying Oskar Kuhn sitting on a chair? Why not drag him out on foot? Did he have to replace the laptop? What happens next? After his ten-day suspension is over? Questions upon questions ... another average German movie.

Hitchcock himself would be proud.

[MOscarbradley · 9/10 · 12 February 2024]

Nominated for Best International Film at this year's Oscars "The Teacher's Lounge" is a genuinely disquieting thriller and one that is all the more chilling since it involves children. It begins with an investigation into a number of thefts at the school with a child the prime suspect, (he is also the child of immigrants), but the child's teacher, (a superb Leonie Benesch), has considerable reservations about the way the school authorities are conducting their investigations. As she pursues her own line of enquiry what she discovers makes her question where she stands in her relationships both with the students and her fellow staff members.

The fact that Ilker Catak's film only once, and then briefly, leaves the confines of the school adds to its claustrophobic effect and the heightening tension. What begins as perhaps a small problem becomes a powder keg about to explode. Here is a thriller filmed with an almost documentary-like zeal and it's brilliantly played by the entire cast, adult and child alike. It's definitely a movie to put knots in your stomach and yet one that is ultimately deeply moving. Hitchcock himself would be proud.

Suddenly I'm pulled into the story without even realizing how strong it pulls me.

[TaylorYee94 · 8/10 · 29 February 2024]

The main event in 'The Teacher's Lounge' is simple - a possible thief in the school. However, the drama surrounding the event is much bigger and much more complicated. After Ms. Nowak shares the recorded footage with the principal, the pace of the movie changes. Things happen quicker and faster, but they happen in order not simultaneously. That's how it maintains its focus in the midst of a whirlwind of stories. They are pouring, but the movie stays neat and organized.

I want to bring in 'Anatomy of a Fall' (2023) to see a bigger picture and to talk about film trends in 2023. Films talk about 'how' rather than 'what' these days. As mentioned, the event itself is simple, but how it unfolds, how it affects characters, and how it changes the relationship among characters are more important. 'The Teacher's Lounge' does not even conclude who the thief is, and it's not important to the audience in the end. They rather focus on the emotions of Oskar and Ms. Nowak, the decision making process of teachers, change in relationship and dynamics of students, teachers, and parents, and with one another.

* Not the 'cinematic' analysis, but I was freaking surprised how students are freer and how the relationship between teachers and students are more horizontal than Korean schools. In Korea, students also ostracize a teacher in a mean way, and they spread rumors about them behind their back. However, how students learn math (very philosophical rather than test or formula focused), how they communicate to reach the solution of the problem, and how various educational methods are there in the movie really shock me.

A German Masterpiece: A Riveting Dive into Morality, Education, and Consequences

[valsamyel · 6/10 · 26 December 2023]

In the vast realm of German dramas, where discerning flaws become almost second nature for those fluent in the language, there emerges a cinematic gem that not only defies expectations but transcends the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking. This cinematic marvel, which I am about to unravel, has left an indelible mark on my movie-watching experience, positioning itself securely within the echelons of my top 20 films for the year.

The movie, whose title subtly hints at its setting within a school and centers around the lives of teachers, unfolds like a perfectly orchestrated symphony, leaving viewers teetering on the edge of their seats. The mastery of the director is palpable in every frame, weaving a narrative that is not only engaging but also thought-provoking. The tension, a vital element of any gripping drama, pulsates through the scenes, making the movie an immersive and unforgettable experience.

What sets this film apart is the harmonious convergence of various elements, cinematography, sound design, and set and costume choices-all seamlessly blending to create a cinematic masterpiece. The performances are not mere portrayals; they are visceral, evoking emotions that resonate long after the credits roll. The cinematography, with its meticulous attention to detail, captures the essence of the narrative, enhancing the storytelling experience. The sound design, a silent yet powerful protagonist, adds layers to the atmosphere, intensifying the emotional impact.

As the plot unfolds, the title, although somewhat revealing, cleverly conceals the intricate web of events that transpire within the confines of the school. The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics between teachers and students, exploring the delicate balance between the two worlds. However, what sets the story in motion is akin to the German proverb, "wenn der Stein ins Rollen kommt" - once the stone is set in motion, it seems unstoppable. The ensuing events force both teachers and students into a complex dance of morality, choices, and consequences.

A school as a symbol for a deeply insecure society

[ZeddaZogenau · 9/10 · 20 August 2023]

A young teacher (Leonie BENESCH) full of idealism is very annoyed by the frequent thefts at her school. She leaves money in her jacket and secretly leaves the camera on her laptop. In fact, a suspected Thief can later be spotted on the recordings, but that is when the war of nerves really begins...

Ilker CATAKs film is not just another film about the school system, but actually a tangible psychological thriller that just happens to play among students, school staff, parents and teachers. Incidentally, the enlightening psychogram of a deeply insecure society is created, which hides behind formulaic behavior and flees from the obvious reality. A cinematic masterpiece that also reflects the confinement and distress in which the characters find themselves through the image design.

Leonie BENESCH as the main actress has repeatedly demonstrated international acting stature. A big surprise of this film is the inspiring portrayal of a school secretary by Austrian actress Eva LÖBAU, who is known primarily as a television inspector from the crime film series TATORT, which has been very successful in German-speaking countries. Among the amazing child actors, Leonard STETTNISCH in particular stands out in the film shot in Hamburg.

Also highly recommended is Ilker CATAKs (born 1984 in Berlin) previous film ES GILT DAS GESPROCHENE WORT / I WAS, I AM, I WILL BE (2019).

Important but needed refining

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 6/10 · 7 March 2024]

There are not many stories out there that encapsulate the inner functioning of an institution like school. The politics, the clash of ideals, the pressure from parents, it is an environment that has seldom been represented in any artistic form, let alone in a cinematic form, thus, I wholeheartedly admire the attempt, inspite of the final outcome failing to tick all the boxes I wished for.

While the drama is effective, the writing falls short of instituting the desired impact. Leaving vital pieces of the story to the audience's unruly interpretation. The insinuations themselves often appear contradictory, with particular moments denoting the convolution is pretty perceptible.

Although some valid pointers were raised that could (or should) initiate pertinent dialogue, the end result could not attain the highs it aspired for, it was nowhere near the brilliance it originally aimed for.

Teachers' lounge as a metaphor for society

[plupu66 · 10/10 · 3 March 2024]

Reading through the other reviews for this film, I could not help but notice that different people had different takes on this movie. This is a great quality of any form of art: it makes one ponder and it is open to different interpretations.

Before I go any further with my review, a warning for people who like straightforward cut-and-dry Hollywood flicks with "good guys" and "meanies". This film is not for them.

This film makes one think what is a good intention, what is the right thing to do, what battles we need to choose, what duties we have towards society and ALL its members. The main character is trying to answer all these questions in good faith - not always with the expected results; actually, more often than not, the results are frustratingly different.

The ending of the film is surprising and open to interpretation. For me it had a pretty clear meaning - others were of a different opinion.

Like other recent remarkable cinema ("Anatomy of a fall" comes to mind) this film will make you ponder and discuss with your friends long after it is finished.

The Teacher's Lounge

[CinemaSerf · 6/10 · 6 March 2024]

There's a spate of petty thefts going on in her junior school, so after a rather dubiously executed class search fails to deliver a culprit, the enthusiastic and maybe a little naive teacher "Miss Novak" (Leonie Benesch) sets a video trap to see if she can identify the culprit. She does, potentially, identify someone going through her pockets and headmaster "Böhm" (Anne-Katrin Gummich) now tries to deal with a scenario that rapidly spirals out of control and reveals an increasing degree of toxicity for not just this teacher, but for relationships at all levels throughout the school - as well as a fairly counter-productive environment of red-tape. We are soon facing a stand-off situation that borders on the criminal with some surprisingly potent battle lines soon drawn both inside and outside of the teacher's lounge. I had credibility issues with what happens now. It's not that the drama isn't well acted and tautly directed, indeed the young Leonard Stettnisch's portrayal of her student-cum-antagonist "Oskar" is really effective. It is just that too much of what occurs struck me as preposterous. Any procedures in place to protect teachers and pupils seems to gave been chucked under the dramatic bus and the absence of police or qualified investigative authorities here just didn't ring true as we made our way to a denouement that I felt rather underwhelmed. It's gripping, and well worth a watch - but plausible? Hmmm, I'm not so sure.

Definitely one of the best of the year

[martinpersson97 · 10/10 · 13 November 2023]

This stellar drama, by a masterful director, is a very compelling and highly worthwhile piece, that I am glad that I was able to catch at a preview, before its release, on a film festival in the art house theater.

It is a very subtle, highly effective and emotional, very unconventional drama. The script is wonderful, and takes small, everyday and relatable situations and turn them up big, accompined by some incredible, subtle and highly nuanced acting.

The cinematography is deliberately small scaled, as is the narrative, and it fits the tone beautifully. Very beautifully put together in terms of both cutting and editing and shooting.

Overall, indeed a masterful presentation. Highly recommended for any lover of film, and hopefully an Oscar contender, as it is Germany's choice.

Tense, Gripping & Provocative Throughout

[CinemaClown · 7 February 2024]

Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards, The Teachers' Lounge takes a simple premise and gets plenty of mileage out of its minimal setting. A fine piece of economical storytelling that further benefits from fantastic performances, this sharp & provocative German drama is enveloped with tension & mystery early on and does rather well to not only sustain but also gradually escalate things as plot progresses. However, much of the setup & progression is unfortunately doused by the weak finale that feels more like a copout after all that transpires and leaves much to be desired in the end. Worth a shot anyway.

Solid drama.

[khalidmoubile · 7/10 · 28 January 2024]

Das Lehrerzimmer.

When one of her students is suspected of theft, teacher Carla Nowak decides to get to the bottom of the matter. Caught between her ideals and the school system, the consequences of her actions threaten to break her.

The Teacher's Lounge has to be the first German movie I've ever seen and I can assure you that it was a great experience, it's a film that puts you in the middle of the actions in a school that has numerous issues, in Carla's point of view the film tries to expose what modern schools look like, what teachers and students suffer from... But it never wants to you to get the answer of everything , this style might not be preferred by most of the audience, but ut think it was pretty much well placed.

A one location movie with only one main character that we see everything through her eyes, won't be that good without the intense atmosphere created especially with those creepy sound effects and most especially without the great performance of Leonie Benesch.

Finally, this is one of the best movies of the year indeed, it must not fly under the radar .

A trainwreck of a story...

[lustigertagedieb · 4/10 · 10 March 2024]

Great actors if they were supposed to play imbeciles.

But let's start at the beginning. The movie's main idea itself is pretty interesting. But if you're a teacher yourself or at least have visited a school in Germany in the last few years, be warned: this movie will be hard to watch because of the idiotic behaviour of basically all the grown ups. There is so much unrealistic stuff going on that it just drowns out the whole concept of the movie - which can be interpreted quite philosophically. I was hoping for something that tries to portrait real people but it's more of a very artificial conflict in a setting that resembles some smartass writer's idea of school life^^