Review of Monsieur Lazhar (2011) by Thomas W — 28 Nov 2012
What is essentially a very simple, gentle and basic story ultimately proves to become a most rewarding watch with French film, Monsieur Lazhar, an Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language film at the 2011 Academy Awards.
It is the story of a fifth grade classroom in Montreal coming to terms with the suicide of their teacher (she hanged herself in their classroom afterhours) and the interim teacher who steps into her role, Bachir Lazhar (Mohamed Fellag).
As an Algerian expatriate missing his own wife and children (whom he had to leave behind in Algeria), Bachir's desire to be of importance to someone is what drives his daily motivation to improve the lives of the children in his classroom.
He forms a close bond with student Alice (nicely played by newcomer Sophie Nelisse) and most of the rest of the class warms to his unique stylings as well. As more of Bachir's past comes out and some parents don't like his teaching method, Lazhar continues to do what is best/right for his classroom of kids (whom matter the most).
By film's end, a tear or two may be shed because this simple story is moving. Bachir means "wise" and stems from Hebrew ... and Lazhar was wise, indeed.
This review of Monsieur Lazhar (2011) was written by Thomas W on 28 Nov 2012.
Monsieur Lazhar has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
