MONSIEUR LAZHAR directed by Philippe Falardeau, written by Falardeau from the play by Evelyne de la Chenelière, with Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Emilien Néron, Danielle Proulx and Brigitte Poupart. An eOne release. 94 minutes. Subtitled. Opens Friday (January 27). For venues and times, see Movies. Rating: NNNNN
Monsieur Lazhar is a tender and touching drama that captures the pulse of both primary school politics and Canadian immigration.
Algerian refugee Bachir Lazhar (Fellag) gets a job as a substitute teacher for students struggling with grief after their former teacher’s suicide. He must navigate the minefield that is dealing with traumatized children in an institutional setting – no physical contact being of utmost importance.
Like the kids who are faced with a new world of tragedy and lost innocence, Bachir confronts his own personal demons while figuring out his place in a new country. Philippe Falardeau (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) proves once again why he’s one of Canada’s top directors, with a focused, intelligent drama that never allows allegorical touches to overwhelm the very personal story at its centre.
A witty screenplay, moving performances – particularly from the precocious child cast – and social observations free of a political agenda make this a high achiever.
