A concealed camera follows a group of first graders during their day at school. While some pupils chant in the playground, others are summoned to the superintendent’s office—where the supervisor deals with latecomers and troublemakers by interviewing the innocent boys and offering wise advice.

Kiarostami’s tender observational documentary takes the inner lives of children seriously, while also showing the patience of educators in instilling values needed for the next generation to prosper. Some lessons must be taught the hard way, but there’s considerable heart and empathy on display.