Monsieur Lazhar
Directed by Philippe Falardeau
After a Montreal elementary school teacher commits suicide one night after class, she is replaced by Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), an Algerian immigrant seeking political refuge in Quebec. As Lazhar introduces traditional teaching methods to his new class, he begins to develop close relationships with two of his pupils: a boy traumatized by his discovery of the former teacher's body, and a girl whose interpretation of the event provokes unforeseen revelations. Produced by the team behind the Academy Award-nominated Incendies and directed by veteran filmmaker Philippe Falardeau, Monsieur Lazhar is one of the most acclaimed Québécois films of the last decade and Canada's submission for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
After a Montreal elementary school teacher commits suicide one night after class, she is replaced by Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), an Algerian immigrant seeking political refuge in Quebec.
Cast: Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron
Member Reviews
A wonderful, beautiful film. Highly recommended.
Humans and their complexities
An exquisitely sensitive portrayal of a teacher who helps heal a class of grade 6 students following a trauma. Beautifully acted.