Monsieur Lazhar

94 minutes

Canada

97%

Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, MONSIEUR LAZHAR tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle school class shaken by the death of their well-liked teacher. Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant, offers the school his services as a substitute teacher and is quickly hired. As he helps the children heal, he also learns to accept his own painful past. This moving film features exquisite performances by Fellag and a stunning ensemble of child actors.

starring...

Mohamed Fellag

Bachir Lazhar

Emilien Neron

Simon

Brigitte Poupart

Claire

Sophie Nelisse

Alice

Émilien Néron

Simon

Director

Philippe Falardeau

Writer

Philippe Falardeau

Cinematography

Ronald Plante

Editing

Stéphane Lafleur

Production Design

Emmanuel Frechette

99% on the CINEMETER

100% - Apr 1, 2012

Once again, a film that elicits amazing performances from children! A subtle, beautiful film, well acted and directed.
Washington, DC Member

I've been a member of the Club for many, many years and this was up there with the very best films we've seen. A wonderful, poignant tale; the kids were just great, Fellag's face said very much.
Washington, DC Member

I taught elementary school and immigrant children for over 30 years-- SO real and SO compassionate. I've been weeping.
Washington, DC Member

STL

100% - Apr 15, 2012

A wonderful film full of heartbreaking love and drama. The best movie about the educational experience I have ever seen.
St. Louis Member

Acting by Mohamed Fellag is superb and the children are incredible. Captures the sweet-sad mixture of feelings when a school year (or teaching career, or life) ends and the students must move on.
St. Louis Member

Lovely braiding of stories of grief.. .What an engrossing, beautiful film.
St. Louis Member

100% - Apr 1, 2012

A great, warm, sweet movie - Wonderful performances, script, pacing - a real delight. Gets MY vote for best foreign language film over all the others!
San Francisco Member

A brave film, mixing scary adult themes (suicide, guilt, adult/child relationships) with young children in a school setting, wihtout being maudlin or manipulative. It hit all the right notes and felt honest throughout.
San Francisco Member

Why can't Americans make films this good?
San Francisco Member

99% - Mar 18, 2012

Superb film. So many of the issues are with us today: the hands off of teachers who want to give solace to children, the failure of many to communicate, bullying, etc. Despite the subtitle problem, a terrific movie with excellent acting, especially by Simon and Alice.
Greater New Haven Member

Fabulous film. Right from the starting start, it captured me. Children were brilliant: hard to imagine that you can gather that many wonderful actors. Certainly didn't want it to end.
Greater New Haven Member

Like a chrysalis, this slowly developed into a beautiful story, releasing all the characters from the past into a future free of dear, guilt, grief and sadness. Loved it!
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

99% - Apr 15, 2012

This film drew me into its moving story of quotidian life as well as grief.
Milwaukee Member

Outstanding in every way.
Milwaukee Member

This was a very powerful film that in an understated way shows the journey of recovery after an unexpected death.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

99% - Apr 1, 2012

So moving, thought provoking, sensitive and funny.
Boston Member

This is one of the best films I've seen. The story has so many layers and all of them were done very well. The kids were outstanding.
Boston Member

A very poignant look at denial on many levels..
Boston Member

BOCA

97% - Mar 4, 2012

Very touching, a story of healing broken hearts. When Lazhar tells Simon, It's not your fault, he is also reassuring himself concerning his wife and children's deaths.
Boca Raton Member

As a retired teacher I appreciate the authenticity of the whole school milieu. The acting was wonderful. The child actors were terrific.
Boca Raton Member

Touching story about the immigrant experience. How many of us have our own private tragedies that we don't or can't share.
Boca Raton Member

ATL

97% - Feb 26, 2012

Formidable. Wonderful. Juxtaposes tragedy and innocence, optimism and fearfulness. With seeming simplicity, she tackles complex issues--flight and home, comfort.
Atlanta Member

A strong story and theme about grief from various frames of reference. We can only say it is a process that must be respected. The quiet humanity of film must be respected too.
Atlanta Member

This gem of a movie shines brigher than our Academy Award nominees.
Atlanta Member

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