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On the Way to School

Play trailer Poster for On the Way to School 2015 1h 17m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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63% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Four students from different parts of the world travel long distances to attend school.

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On the Way to School

Critics Reviews

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Ben Sachs Chicago Reader 05/22/2015
Though aimed at children, this 2013 French documentary is the sort of direct, expressive, and compassionate filmmaking that can be appreciated by anyone. Go to Full Review Michael Rechtshaffen Los Angeles Times 03/05/2015
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. Go to Full Review Ben Kenigsberg New York Times 02/05/2015
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. Go to Full Review Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice 05/26/2017
3.5/5
A documentary showing the challenges faced by children on three continents in pursuit of education. Go to Full Review Brian Costello Common Sense Media 03/22/2016
4/5
Stirring docu explores school journeys around the globe. Go to Full Review Avi Offer NYC Movie Guru 02/06/2015
5.75/10
Heartfelt, but a squandered opportunity to insightfully tackle an important human rights issue. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alison T @RT18019214 05/16/2025 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! See more 10/11/2019 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. See more 09/27/2018 IT was an interesting movie See more 06/22/2018 Required viewing for EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN. Period. See more 08/26/2016 One of the best documentaries I've ever seen if not the best. See more 06/15/2016 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. See more Read all reviews
On the Way to School

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Cast & Crew

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Pascal Plisson

Director

Jackson Saikong

Self

Salome Saikong

Self

Samuel J. Esther

Self

Gabriel J. Esther

Self

Emmanuel J. Esther

Self

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On the Way to School

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Movie Info

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)