‘The Teacher’ (Ucitelka)

Corruption in a 1980s Bratislava high school as the new teacher ensures she gets what she wants from both kids and their parents – in return for high grades. Her connections within the Communist Party ensure that no one dare stand up to Miss Drazdechova (a splendidly malevolent and manipulative Zuzana Mauréry).

Director Jan Hrebejk (Oscar nominated Divided We Fall, Kawasaki Rose) keeps the tone sardonic and caustic rather than overly grim as parents finally appeal to a higher authority.

Rating: 73%

Director: Jan Hrebejk (Oscar-nominated Divided We Fall, Kawasaki Rose)

Writer: Petr Jarchovský (Divided We Fall, Kawasaki Rose)

Main cast: Zuzana Mauréry (Colette, Dakujem dobre), Peter Bebjak (Hannah and Her Brothers, Neverné hry)

‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’

Overly sanitised telling of the true story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski, owners of the Warsaw Zoo who saved the lives of more than 300 Polish Jews in World War II.

A leaden script and pan-European casting (along with Jessica Chastain) doesn’t help a turgid, uninspiring narrative. Director Niki Caro noticeably misses the storytelling boat – somewhat unforgivable considering the source material.

Rating: 42%

Director: Niki Caro (North Country, Whale Rider)

Writer: Angela Workman (War Bride, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan) – based on the book by Diane Ackerman

Main cast: Jessica Chastain (The Help, Zero Dark Thirty), Johan Heldenbergh (The Broken Circle Breakdown, The Brand New Testament), Daniel Brühl (Alone in Berlin, Rush)