Fresh
Although it raises timeless questions about life and loss, and timely ones about mentorship and multiculturalism, "Monsieur Lazhar" would rather teach than preach.
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Monsieur Lazhar
No matter where you go... there you are
2011 · 1h 34m · PG-13
Comedy, Drama
Directed by
Philippe Falardeau
Overview
During a harsh Montréal winter, an elementary-school class is left reeling after its teacher commits suicide. Bachir Lazhar, a charismatic Algerian immigrant, steps in as the substitute teacher for the classroom of traumatized children. All the while, he must keep his personal life tucked away: the fact that he is seeking political refuge in Québec – and that he, like the children, has suffered an appalling loss.
Director and cast
- Philippe Falardeau Director
- Mohamed Fellag as Bachir Lazhar
- Émilien Néron as Simon
- Danielle Proulx as Mme Vaillancourt
- Sophie Nélisse as Alice L'Écuyer
- Marie-Ève Beauregard as Marie-Frédérique
- Denise Lamontagne as Parent
- Brigitte Poupart as Claire
- Louis Champagne as Concierge
- Daniel Gadouas as Me Gilbert Danis
- Vincent Millard as Victor
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
98%
Tomatometer
Fresh
A gentle film can still be searing in its effect on an audience, something that "Monsieur Lazhar" proves emphatically.
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
Fresh
With a few folds, this story could have made a script for John Barrymore, like Topaze, or for Chaplin.
Stanley Kauffmann, The New Republic
Fresh
You could almost describe 'Monsieur Lazhar' as a morality tale, but it's more thought-provoking than debate-provoking.
Cath Clarke, Time Out
Fresh
A sad, reflective study of the possibilities, and the impossibilities, inherent in the teacher-student relationship.
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
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