Front of the Class

Front of the Class

This is a story of a man named Brad Cohen, a man who is extremely strong in spite of his condition. This good-looking man who had Tourette’s syndrome; a neurological disorder that he can’t control, wherein caused him a lot of discrimination towards his life, as a child and as a man looking for a job. His physical appearance is normal  as well as his behaviour, the only problem is the way he talks, it’s like his barking like a dog and he do a lot of pauses that made him disqualified as a teacher.  He has a broken family, wherein his Mom and Dad are divorced. His condition was discovered in his childhood life through the researches of his loving mother.

The movie is very touching, it opened the mind-set of all the people questioning the abilities of all persons with special needs to do things that a normal person can do. In the first scene his just like a typical boy loved playing but because of being difference he is a center of bullying among his classmates and hated by his teachers because of the noises he made during class hours that made the class disturb. In his relationship with his family there is also a problem, it’s his relationship with his father, it’s natural for a father because his children are all boys, so a lot of expectations from him. It is sad to know that he can’t asked for any advises from his father in his problem in applying a job because he doesn’t know if his Dad would understand him but he is thankful that he can lean-on to his Mom and younger brother.

It is so cute to hear his nickname; ‘Bobo’ written on plate number of his car but I’m disappointed how dirty and disorganized his apartment. All dirty dishes stocked in the kitchen, used clothes scattered in the sofa and things not in place. He had that rare disability but the only affected was his way of talking not his mental ability. It is very painful that in public areas where he can enjoy, there are people think, act strange when his there when every time they heard him “barking”. At the last scene where he got an award as a teacher, I don’t know what I’m feeling; tears of joy because he showed that even him with that condition can excel and be a worthy citizen in his country and during the time he made his speech, it is funny that his students answers his question even though they are not asking. I’m so surprized that the movie is a true-to-life story.

 I think the movie was made around 80’s or 90’s because of their dresses, so at that time when persons with special needs was not merely recognized, many people don’t knew about their condition that’s why police, school-age children, parents, and even teachers was not so familiar with it. For me the highlight of this movie happened when the principal asked Brad to go on stage and explained why he made those annoying noises, all of us thought that it was one way of making fun of him but in fact it’s the first stage of accepting him in the school, that  scene cries me a lot. I am very amazed, stunned and proud of him because in all discrimination, judgement and prejudice he encountered in his life, he stand strong and never give-up. If I’m in his position I don’t think if I can handle those times that people around me are judging me.

The story of Brad Cohen is well known, especially to those of us. It is the telling of the story that is incredible. Front of the class captivates us, produces tears and laughter, and teaches important moral values. Brad’s strong optimistic attitude is a blessing to everyone. The acting is far superior to most television movies. The direction has a fine touch that never enters the melodramatic or over-sentimental. I really loved the idea of this movie. Someone like this character in the story really goes through a lot in their life, and the fact that it’s based on a true story, really makes it that more interesting.

Every aspect about this production deserves acclamation. It should be noted that Brad does not curse with his Tourette’s syndrome. Only 1% of the people with this illness have that version that causes cursing. Many of the tics are physical, not verbal. Brad’s problem is making barking noises. When he answers the phone, most people ask if he has a dog.

This is a powerful movie with the theme that it’s okay to be different. In Bard’s case, this is true because he dedicates his life to the good, the true and the beautiful and to helping others. Being different should not be celebrated just for the sake of being different. But, the story of overcoming and the love and compassion manifested in this story gives credence to this particular message.

That is the personality I want to acquire and to the children that might I encounter. I believe that because of his personality he made through that, he is the best example not only being an educator but also to those persons who lose hope because they think that they are useless. As what he said his Tourette’s syndrome is his teacher.