Introduction: As French teachers, we continuously seek engaging and educational resources to captivate our students and enrich their learning experience. One such resource is the film "Le Hérisson" (The Hedgehog), a poignant drama that explores the intertwined lives of three characters in a Parisian apartment building. This film not only entertains but also provides profound lessons on life, death, and the beauty of unexpected friendships. In this blog, we'll explore the film's themes, its educational value, and how you can effectively integrate it into your classroom using the FilmArobics process.
Exploring the Film: "Le Hérisson," directed by Mona Achache and released in 2009, takes viewers into the lives of Paloma, Renée, and Kakuro. Paloma is a highly intelligent 11-year-old girl who plans to end her life on her twelfth birthday. Renée is the building’s solitary concierge, who hides her intellectual and artistic talents from the world. Kakuro is a refined Japanese gentleman who moves into the building and forms unexpected bonds with both Paloma and Renée. The film’s narrative and emotional depth make it an excellent tool for teaching French language and culture.
Main Themes and Educational Value: The film is rich with themes that are both universal and deeply rooted in philosophical thought:
- Existentialism and Meaning: The film’s exploration of life and death provides a platform for discussing existential themes and the search for meaning.
- Human Connection: The relationships between the characters highlight the importance of human connection and the beauty found in unexpected friendships.
- Social Class and Perception: The film’s portrayal of social class differences and the hidden depths of individuals invites discussions about societal perceptions and personal identity.
Using the FilmArobics Process: The FilmArobics process offers a structured approach to integrating films into language lessons. Here’s how you can use it effectively with "Le Hérisson":
-
Pre-Viewing Activities:
- Vocabulary Building: Introduce key vocabulary from the film to ensure students can follow the story.
- Context Setting: Provide background information about the novel "The Elegance of the Hedgehog," its author Muriel Barbery, and the film adaptation.
-
Viewing Activities:
- Comprehension Checks: Pause the film at intervals to ask comprehension questions and ensure students are following the plot.
- Discussion Prompts: Encourage students to discuss the characters' motivations, the setting, and the themes as they watch.
-
Post-Viewing Activities:
- Cultural Notes: Explore the cultural and social elements depicted in the film, such as French society and the lives of concierges.
- Communicative Tasks: Engage students in role-plays or debates based on scenarios from the film to practice their speaking skills.
- Writing Exercises: Assign essays or creative writing tasks that allow students to express their reflections on the film's themes.
Key Dates for Classroom Integration: To enrich your lessons further, consider aligning your activities with significant dates related to the film:
- April 1: Muriel Barbery's Birthday - Celebrate the author’s work and its adaptation to film.
- September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day - Discuss the film’s exploration of life and existential themes.
- March 8: International Women's Day - Reflect on the strong female characters and their journeys.
- October 12: Anniversary of the film's release - Reflect on the film's impact and themes.
Conclusion: Incorporating "Le Hérisson" into your French language curriculum offers a unique opportunity to engage students with authentic cultural content. This film not only enhances language skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for themes of life, death, and the importance of human connections. By utilizing the lesson plan crafted by FilmArobics, you can provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Encourage your students to explore the rich tapestry of philosophical insights, personal growth, and the beauty of unexpected friendships. Purchase "Le Hérisson" today and enrich your classroom with this touching film.
