Once in a Lifetime

Based on a true story, this drama takes place at Léon Blum High School in Créteil, France. Anne Gueguen, a history teacher, manages a multicultural class of undisciplined students who struggle academically and emotionally. Despite the skepticism of her colleagues and the initial reluctance of the teenagers, Gueguen challenges her most difficult group to enter a national competition focused on the French Resistance and the Holocaust. As the students research the psychological impact of concentration camps on young people, the project motivates them to overcome their personal conflicts and develop a sense of self-belief.

The film was written and produced by Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, who also served as director. This production was her second feature film, following My First Time and preceding A Good Man, Divertimento, and Into the Blue. The cast is led by Ariane Ascaride, with Ahmed Dramé, Noémie Merlant, Geneviève Mnich, Stéphane Bak, and Wendy Nieto in supporting roles.

Since its release in 2014, the movie has received positive feedback from viewers. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 7.1 based on 2,300 votes, while on TMDB, it has a slightly higher score of 7.4 from 331 votes.