Front of the Class is a biography and drama film based on the true story of Brad Cohen. The film follows Brad Cohen as he struggles with Tourette's syndrome from an early age and the challenges he faces to fulfill his dream of becoming a gifted teacher. The film was released in the United States on December 7, 2008 as a Hallmark Hall of Fame production.

^{A Scene from the Movie (IMDb)}

Plot

Front of the Class is about Brad Cohen, who struggles with Tourette's Syndrome from an early age and defies all odds to become a skilled teacher. As he grows older, Cohen must confront his friends who sometimes don't realize that he can't control his outbursts of anger and his father who doesn't want to accept his son's condition. As Brad Cohen grows up with Tourette's Syndrome, long undiagnosed, even his own father scolds him as a "naughty" boy. Fully accepted by his younger brother Jeff and his divorced mother, Brad accepts his syndrome and refuses to be discouraged. The understanding principal at his new school helps Brad focus on his teaching career and get good grades. But it takes him a long time to find a job at an open-minded school. Brad's brilliant classroom work is almost ruined by his parents, but his social life is saved by his brother and father, who constantly suggest he join the family construction company. Brad's blind date on the internet also becomes a lasting success.

Theme

The main theme of the film is the perseverance and determination of an individual struggling with Tourette Syndrome to realize his dream of becoming a gifted teacher despite the obstacles. At the same time, the individual's efforts to accept himself in the face of society's prejudices against differences and lack of understanding are also important.

Cast and Characters

• Brad Cohen (James Wolk / Jimmy Wolk): The main character struggles with Tourette's Syndrome and tries to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher. His youth is played by Dominic Scott Kay.
• Norman Cohen (Treat Williams): Brad's father and initially struggles to come to terms with his son's condition.
• Ellen Cohen (Patricia Heaton): Brad's mother and one of the people who fully accepts her son.
• Jeff (Johnny Pacar): Brad's younger brother and one of the people who fully accepts Brad. His youth is played by Charles Henry Wyson.