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The Kindergarten Teacher

Play trailer 2:25 Poster for The Kindergarten Teacher R 2018 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 102 Reviews 67% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
A teacher sees such great promise in her 5-year-old student that she goes to unreasonable lengths to protect his talent.
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The Kindergarten Teacher

The Kindergarten Teacher

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Critics Consensus

Elevated by a bravura performance from Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Kindergarten Teacher is one American remake that retains its impact the second time around.

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Critics Reviews

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Clarisse Loughrey Independent (UK) Although it remains largely faithful to the original, there's a fresh source of vitality to be found in Gyllenhaal's presence. Rated: 4/5 Dec 10, 2020 Full Review Wenlei Ma News.com.au Maggie Gyllenhaal never disappoints, and that's certainly true in The Kindergarten Teacher, an understated character study with a lot to say but no easy answers. Rated: 4/5 Apr 21, 2019 Full Review Sandra Hall Sydney Morning Herald [Colangelo] has planed away the story's hard edges and given us a very earnest translation of what should have been a highly provocative theme. Rated: 3/5 Apr 8, 2019 Full Review Serena Seghedoni Loud and Clear Reviews The Kindergarten Teacher is an emotional, intense, definitely dark and sometimes even disturbing journey whose story still remains partly unwritten, and this is the true genius of Colangelo's painfully accurate analysis of human behaviour. Rated: 5/5 Jul 29, 2023 Full Review Milana Vujkov Lola On Film Glimpses of an inner universe about to implode in slow motion (...) living through the creative world of another, with ferocious intensity of reclaiming one's own. Rated: 5/5 Jul 30, 2021 Full Review Bianca Garner In Their Own League If you're looking for a good drama then The Kindergarten Teacher is worth seeking out. Feb 3, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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French C What did I just watch? It starts off interesting and then NOTHING of interest happens for the next hour. So the theme is just that even a kindergarten teacher can be creepy? Good to know - not worth the time. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/12/23 Full Review Ann E I absolutely loved this movie! Most of the time I found myself thinking about the variety of ways you can interpret an issue, weigh the sides and still be confused. For me it was very thought provoking. (If it wasn't thought provoking, you probably didn't like the movie.) The ending spoke volumes for me. Spoiler alert….. Will this little boy ever have anyone see him and his genius like his teacher did? Who knows…. 🌺 I just finished watching it couple hours ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/09/23 Full Review Audience Member I don’t understand all the rave reviews! This movie had such a bland, flat vibe. The ending was abrupt like a lifetime movie ending. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 12/29/22 Full Review isla s This is a subtle film. It takes a little while to focus on who is clearly the child of primary focus, character wise (the teacher aside). I really rate Maggie Gyllenhaal as an actress - she is quite expressive and it shows that she cares for and truly wants to encourage the child's creative talent. I should point out that there is more going on than first seems but I won't elaborate, obviously so as not to provide any spoilers of course. However, there is also a darker side that is suggested at times and that made me curious to find out more about the childs family/background. The music played (mostly stringed instruments) gives it a slightly spooky and sort of claustrophobic angle as well. There is some poignant dialogue and I thought this film was well made, hence I'd recommend it - the only downside I felt was that there are unanswered questions by the end, which may frustrate you. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review tom e As a former school teacher, she crossed so many legal and social lines early on in the movie, it made me very uncomfortable. The movie was very well done, but the "creepy factor" was troubling throughout. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A remake worth watching. A kindergarten teacher sees and encourages the talents of one of her students who is a gifted poet. The dynamics in her personal family, with the student's father, and a poetry instructor are what make this story so interesting. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Kindergarten Teacher

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis A teacher sees such great promise in her 5-year-old student that she goes to unreasonable lengths to protect his talent.
Director
Sara Colangelo
Producer
Osnat Handelsman-Keren, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Talia Kleinhendler, Celine Rattray, Trudie Styler
Screenwriter
Sara Colangelo
Production Co
Pie Films
Rating
R (Some Language and Nudity)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 12, 2018
Runtime
1h 36m
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