On the Way to School

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On the Way to School

2015

1h 17m

Documentary

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63%

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8 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Four students from different parts of the world travel long distances to attend school.

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

Though aimed at children, this 2013 French documentary is the sort of direct, expressive, and compassionate filmmaking that can be appreciated by anyone.

May 22, 2015

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Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

Dispensing with any heated rhetoric about the sorry state of education, director Pascal Plisson instead allows this quartet of beautifully photographed incredible journeys speak inspirational volumes.

Mar 5, 2015

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Ben Kenigsberg

New York Times

The swelling score gives the sense of an inspirational children's movie. True to that form, "On the Way to School" never wavers in its bland uplift.

Feb 5, 2015

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A documentary showing the challenges faced by children on three continents in pursuit of education.

Rated: 3.5/5

May 26, 2017

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Stirring docu explores school journeys around the globe.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 22, 2016

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Heartfelt, but a squandered opportunity to insightfully tackle an important human rights issue.

Rated: 5.75/10

Feb 6, 2015

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Audience Member

This is an excellent movie, giving a visual perspective of what some children must endure just to get an education. As an elementary teacher, I have shown this film from second grade through 4th or 5th and each time, students are simply amazed and enthralled! I showed it to my own children and husband alike, and again, even as an older audience, they were captivated. I'm not sure why the critics gave this movie such a low rating, but the audience rating is right on target--if not even a bit lower than derserved. I'd give it 95+. This is an excellent movie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/16/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Perfect movie to show kids in middle and high school what other kids go through to get to school. Not sure why it's on Rotten Tomatoes. Well made, sweet, touching.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

IT was an interesting movie

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

Required viewing for EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN. Period.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen if not the best.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing movie and very impactful. Plisson was able to make the audience feel the exhausting journey some children are forced to take everyday in order to receive a form of education. It makes you feel very grateful and inspired to do something about it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Pascal Plisson

Director

Jackson Saikong

Self

Salome Saikong

Self

Samuel J. Esther

Self

Gabriel J. Esther

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Emmanuel J. Esther

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Synopsis

Four students from different parts of the world travel long distances to attend school.

Director: Pascal Plisson
Producer: Barthelemy Fougea
Screenwriter: Marie-Claire Javoy, Pascal Plisson
Distributor: Distrib Films
Production Co: Winds, Herodiade, Ymagis
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 6, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 27, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.3K
Runtime: 1h 17m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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