Before delving into production details, it is essential to understand the film's deceptively simple yet profoundly moving narrative.
The critically acclaimed short film , directed by Alexis Van Stratum, is a powerful Belgian psychological drama that explores the suffocating limits of maternal love. Running at approximately 18 minutes, this gripping narrative introduces viewers to Jonathan, a 7-year-old boy excitedly packing his bags for a school nature trip. However, his deeply possessive mother cannot bear the thought of letting him go, triggering a sequence of events that highlights how parental affection can completely unravel a child's autonomy. Essential Film Overview
The film's title, "Classes Vertes," is given a complex reading. One critic observes: "'Classes Vertes,' at heart, is rather blue, like the pool of the famous Gainsbourg song so wonderfully sung by Adjani". This observation points to the central irony of the film: the title promises a story about a school trip to nature, but the visual palette and emotional tone are dominated by cold blues, highlighting the disparity between the child's external world and his internal emotional prison. Classes Vertes -2009- - Short Film Watch Online
: Jonathan, a 7-year-old boy, is enthusiastically packing his suitcase.
The story follows seven-year-old Jonathan as he prepares for a school field trip to the countryside—referred to in French as "classes vertes". While Jonathan is excited to leave, his mother is deeply reluctant to let him go. The film examines the "havoc" that can be wreaked by a mother's refusal to detach, portraying their relationship through intimate and sometimes controversial domestic scenes. Director: Alexis Van Stratum Writers: Marie Enthoven and Alexis Van Stratum Lead Cast: Martin De Myttenaere as Jonathan Catherine Salée as the mother Marceau Henrard as Anthony Before delving into production details, it is essential
The film's primary conflict arises from Jonathan’s excitement for his upcoming "green class"—a common French educational school trip to the countryside—and his mother's refusal to let him go. This tension is not merely about a parent’s worry; the film’s synopsis famously notes that "the love of a mother... can wreak havoc," hinting at a more destructive, possessive force.
After watching "Classes Vertes," we'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback, and let's discuss the film's themes, impact, and charm. Join the conversation and spread the word about this delightful short film that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. However, his deeply possessive mother cannot bear the
If you are a fan of psychological realism, Belgian cinema, or tense shorts that linger long after the credits roll, Classes vertes remains an essential 18-minute watch.
cinematography uses camera angles or tight framing to create a sense of claustrophobia within the home. How does the sound or music by Frédéric Hahn
| Category | Information | | :--- | :--- | | | Classes Vertes | | Director | Alexis Van Stratum | | Writers | Alexis Van Stratum & Marie Enthoven | | Country | Belgium / France | | Year | 2009 | | Runtime | 17 minutes (17' 48") | | Format | 35 mm | | Genre | Fiction, Drama, Experimental | | Production | Iota Productions & La Luna Production |