” The Chorus”: Gentleness is the most powerful language of education

With its unique perspective and warm narrative, The Chorus has become a classic that has transcended national boundaries and touched the hearts of countless audiences. It depicts the story of a group of troubled teenagers who gradually change under the influence of music, and deeply reveals the themes of education, humanity and love. The educational philosophy and human brilliance it conveys have broken cultural barriers and aroused widespread resonance.

What is the movie about?

The story tells the story of a boarding school in France called “The Bottom of the Pond”. This school specializes in accepting troubled teenagers. The school is full of strict discipline and cold punishment system. Students become rebellious and indifferent in the oppressive environment. Clement Mathieu, an unemployed music teacher, comes here to work. 

Faced with this group of children who were considered hopeless, Matthew did not adopt the traditional harsh discipline method, but used music to open their closed hearts. He formed a choir, tapped into the musical talents of each child, and taught them to sing. In the process, the children were gradually infected by music and began to change. Among them, Pierre Moanchi, who had a heavenly voice, fully demonstrated his musical talent under Matthew’s guidance; Pepino, who was originally naughty, also found warmth and a sense of belonging in the choir. However, Matthew’s educational method was opposed by the principal Hassan. After an accidental fire, Matthew was fired, but the musical seeds he left for the children have begun to take root. 

“Every heart needs love, tenderness, tolerance and understanding. Every child comes from a pure and innocent place and should always be a treasure that is loved by the world.”

Mohanji was singing in front of the blackboard in an empty classroom, and his heavenly voice was caught by Matthew who was passing by. At that moment, Matthew was like a Bole who discovered Mohanji, a talented horse. From then on, Mohanji embarked on the road of music under the guidance of Matthew, and finally blossomed with his own light and became an outstanding musician.

This line in the film always echoes in my ears. What is the best education? Teacher Matthew gave us the answer with his actions. Music may not be the only way of education, but love is the eternal theme of education. It exists in thousands of forms, carrying the kindest and warmest glory of human nature.

Ending: Continuation of hope

At the end of the movie, Mathieu was dismissed by the principal. When he left in disappointment, the children threw paper planes filled with blessings from the window. These paper planes carrying gratitude and reluctance were the best farewell gifts for Mathieu. Pierre later became a famous conductor, and Peppino chose to follow Mathieu when he left, finding new hope in life. Although Mathieu’s educational experience at the “bottom of the pond” seemed short and bumpy, the seeds of tenderness and hope he sowed grew into towering trees in the hearts of the children, continuing the power of education and the warmth of humanity.