A moving human drama based on a true story

“The Final Lesson” tells the story of boys who, having closed themselves off from the world, find their dreams, courage, and smiles again through the passionate dedication of a teacher who strives to educate them, even at personal sacrifice. This human drama from Germany, based on a true story, is set for its theatrical release.


Daniel Brühl, who garnered attention for his role in “Good Bye, Lenin!,” plays the young teacher Konrad Koch. The film also features a strong supporting cast of accomplished actors essential to German cinema. Above all, the uninhibited performances and expressions of the boys, which capture their individual personalities, leave an unforgettable impression on the audience.

A revolution sparked by an unconventional teacher and his students at a strict prestigious school

In the late 19th century, intense anti-British sentiment was rising in imperial Germany, and football, a sport born in England, was considered “anti-social.” It was in this climate that Konrad Koch, Germany’s first English teacher and later known as the “Father of German Football,” was appointed to a prestigious school.


However, the students harbored a strong prejudice against the English language and everything British. To spark their interest in English, Koch introduced football into his lessons. Through learning football terms, the students began to learn English, and at the same time, Koch taught them the spirit of “fair play,” which emphasizes treating everyone, regardless of class or nationality, with equal respect, and the importance of “team play” in looking out for one another.


The students, who had lived their lives without experiencing the outside world and without questioning their daily routines, gradually became captivated by football, began to develop their own wills, and started to forge their own paths. However, Koch’s unconventional methods created many enemies. The students stood up to the adults who, believing only in discipline and tradition, sought to have Koch expelled from the school.—.


Koch’s straightforward way of life, unafraid of reform and unburdened by convention, offers a refreshing and moving human story that resonates with the modern spirit, often swayed by the inertia of daily life and accustomed to giving up.


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“The Final Lesson”

Director: Sebastian Grobler

Starring: Daniel Brühl, Burghart Klaußner, Justus von Dohnányi, Thomas Thieme

Distributor: Gaga

2011 / Germany / 114 minutes

http://kakumei.gaga.ne.jp/


©2011 DEUTSCHFILM / CUCKOO CLOCK ENTERTAINMENT / SENATOR FILM PRODUKTION