I usually like this type of film, but...

(spoilers ahead)

This film actually bored me. I didn't like it at all.

Could be that I was in the wrong mood when I watched it. But it could just as well be the fact that I found it painfully predictable. I knew Mercier was going to die the second I laid eyes on him. And when he was given that book, with the touching words written on the preface, I had no doubt in my mind he was a goner.

I also knew at least one of the Brothers would molest one of the boys at one point. How unoriginal.

What probably bothered me the most was all the clichés. Free-thinking teacher with a sad past slowly gains the trust of his pupils. He is able to teach them to read and write. He BELIEVES in them when no one else does.
He stands up to the rigid and destructive ways of the school and of course gains enemies in the process.

After everything is said and done he decides to leave, only to be persuaded to stay in the last minute by a touching gesture of his pupils.

And let's not forget the horrible performances from the boys, especially the youngster who played Mercier. Sorry, but no charming Irish accent in the world can make up for the fact that you sound like a monotone robot when delivering your lines.
I do not understand anyone who praises their acting skills, they weren't GOOD at all. I've seen children 5-6 years younger acting considerably better than that, so age isn't an excuse either.

I wanted to like this movie, but I just couldn't.