Review of Monsieur Lazhar (2011) by Kester P — 13 Jan 2013
Monsieur Lazhar (2011). Canadian French film about a class of young children in the aftermath of their teacher hanging herself in the classroom. Bashir Lazhar, who is also a survivor of traumatic events in Algeria, arrives to teach the class, lying about his immigrant status and lack of school experience.
His teaching style is traditional but he is able to reach the children and allows them to talk about their grief, despite pressure from the school management to protect them from this. The story confidently places the children at centre stage; the playground scenes in particular reminded me of the adultless world of Peanuts cartoons.
Any film which approaches the theme of redemption is bound to be loved; this one presents vulnerability with honesty and is capably shouldered by its youngest actors.
This review of Monsieur Lazhar (2011) was written by Kester P on 13 Jan 2013.
Monsieur Lazhar has generally received very positive reviews.
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