Tuesday, 12 March 2013

The Review - Monsieur Lazhar

So on one of the many flights I took over the summer, I saw some pretty great movies that I wanted to share with you.

The first movie I’d like to introduce to you is a French Canadian film called Monsieur Lazhar.  

Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant, is hired to replace an elementary school teacher at a Montreal public grade school. The last teacher tragically committed suicide in her classroom, which has left the school and particularly her students psychologically scarred. 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. Lazhar goes through a steep learning curve in teaching his class of eleven and twelve-year olds; he uses old school methods such as corporal punishment and antiquated teaching terminology. As he progresses through the year, his interactions with both his students and school colleagues show Lazhar that perhaps it is time to move on with his life in every aspect. 


Adapted from Evelyne de la Cheneliere's play, Monsieur Lazhar depicts the encounter between two distant worlds and the power of self-expression. Using great sensitivity and humor, director 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.

Simon (Émilien Néron) and Alice (Sophie Nelisse), the main two child actors, are just outstanding in their performances and it is really a very touching film. Sad but beautiful.

The film was nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards. 


 



Here is the trailer for your viewing pleasure:


 Until next time :)

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