Being one of the privileged few whom are able to watch most of the international renowned channels (and getting paid at it) on Malaysia’s new 2nd cable pay-TV provider, MiTV, I came across a thoroughly charming and delightful little French film called Pocket Money (1976) on MGM. When released, Pocket Money (a.k.a. Small Change) amassed critical acclaim. It was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. Roger Ebert named it his favorite of the year, calling it a “magical film” and singled out the windowsill scene as “Truffaut at his best” (Wikipedia)
Directed by François Truffaut, it is a light-hearted comedy that portrays the daily lives of young children with their own dreams and everyday problems set in Thiers, France. The myriad adventures and emotions are explored. One key element in the film stood out, when a boy named Julien, grabs the attention of the village’s adults, through his misdemeanours and the startling revelation of being constantly abused and neglected by his parents. Thus, it will forever affect and change the lives of the children, for the better.
This is the issue I would like to highlight, as the film’s most profound and important part came when the school’s dedicated teacher, Mr. Richet, gave a heartfelt speech to his class that would have opened their eyes to the realities of child abuse, still ever prevalent in our societies today.
Have a read at Mr. Richet had to say, in hopes that all of us would benefit from and advocate the rights and especially, the happiness of all children all around the world.
Text of the speech by Mr. Jean Francois Richet (as featured in L’Argent de poche (Pocket Money, 1976). Directed by François Truffaut, written by François Truffaut and Suzanne Schiffman).
“Lets talk about Julien. I don’t know much more than you do but I’ll tell you how I feel. First, Julien will be taken care of by welfare. He will be placed in a family. Wherever he goes he’ll be better off than in his own home, where in his own words, “he was beaten”. His mother shall lose her maternal rights. For Julien, it may be quite a few years before he’ll know the freedom to come and go as he pleases. Julien’s case is so tragic that we cannot help comparing our lives to his.
My own childhood was also quite painful. I couldn’t wait to grow up. I felt adults had all the rights. They can lead their lives the way they want. An unhappy adult can start again from scratch. But an unhappy child is helpless. He may not know how to put it in words, but he feels that he cannot even contest his parents’ right to hurt him. An unloved and battered child feels guilty. That’s what’s so tragic. Of all mankind’s’ injustices, injustice to children is the most despicable.
Life isn’t always fair but we can fight for justice. It’s the only way. It’s a slow progress but we do move forward. All people with power like to claim they’re impervious to threats. But they do give in to pressure. A show of strength is the only way to get results. Adults understand that and they obtain what they ask for by demonstrating. I want to show that when adults are determined, they can improve their lot. But children’s rights are totally ignored. Political parties are not concerned with kids like Julien or you. Do you know why? Because children don’t vote. If kids have the right to vote they’d have better schools, sports facilities. You’d get them because politicians need your votes. You could come to school an hour later in winter instead of rushing out before daylight.
I also want to say, because of my own childhood, I feel kids rate a better deal, that’s why I became a schoolteacher. Life isn’t easy. You must steel yourselves to face it. I don’t mean “hard-boiled”. I am talking about stamina.
Some of us who’ve had a difficult childhood are better equipped for adult life than those who were overprotected with love. It’s the law of conpensation. Life may be hard but it’s also wonderful. When we’re confined to sickbed, we cant wait to get out and enjoy life. We sometimes forget how much we really love it.
You’re about to go on vacation. You will discover new places and make new friends…Time flies, before long, you’ll have kids on your own. If you love them they’ll love you. If they don’t feel you love them, they’ll transfer their love and tenderness to other people or other things. That’s life! Each of us needs to be loved.”
How true indeed.
By Ben Quah (16.06.06)