"Monsieur Lazhar touches on the heroic struggle of public-school
teachers, delves into how kids and adults come to grips with grief and maybe most importantly, shows how words can sometimes heal all wounds."
The Montreal Gazette
Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 7:30 pm
Director: Philippe Falardeau
Cast: Mohamed Fellag, Émilien Néron
Language: French (with English subtitles)
Year: 2011
Based on a one-character play, this film is a tender tale about the lessons we learn from one another, regardless of age. Bachir Lazhar, a middle-aged Algerian immigrant seeking political refuge in Quebec, jumps at the opportunity to replace a Montreal elementary school teacher who committed suicide one night after class. The story focuses on Bachir's relationship with two of his pupils: a boy traumatized by the event, and a girl whose resentment toward her friend provokes unforeseen revelations.