Monsieur Lazhar

Mar 7 2012 PG-13 1h 35m
Comedy, Drama

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.

Plot

Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant, is hired to replace an elementary school teacher who died tragically. While the class goes through a long healing process, nobody in the school is aware of Bachir's painful former life; nor that he is at risk of being deported at any moment. Adapted from Evelyne de la Cheneliere's play, Bachir Lazhar depicts the encounter between two distant worlds and the power of self-expression. Using great sensitivity and humor, Philippe Falardeau follows a humble man who is ready to transcend his own loss in order to accompany children beyond the silence and taboo of death.

Written by

Philippe Falardeau, Evelyne de la Chenelière

Directed by

Philippe Falardeau

Cast

Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

Canada

Production Companies

micro_scope

Languages

Français

Awards

Nominated for 1 Oscar. 30 wins & 14 nominations total

Trailers
Monsieur Lazhar - official trailer
Scores
# of Votes
21,817
Average Rating
7.5 out of 10
Metascore
82
Popularity
NA