Monsieur Lazhar (PG-13) 7.0

Monsieur Lazhar (2011): At a Montréal public grade school, an Algerian immigrant is hired to replace a popular teacher who committed suicide in her classroom. While helping his students deal with their grief, his own recent loss is revealed. (7.5)

Director: Philippe Falardeau
Writer: Philippe Falardeau (screenplay)
Stars: Mohamed Fellag, Sophie Nélisse, Émilien Néron
Language: Canadian French (w/ English subtitles)

The delicate story in this movie tackles the difficult subject matter between the kids exposed to a traumatic event and the adults trying to move on. The side stories also explore the situation of immigrants in Canada, and the loss in the live of the substitute teacher. Like most other great movies that have unexplored side branches, this too has events and scenes that touch the lives of the characters but are not part of the complete circle; and that adds to the richness of the storytelling. The inexperience of the teacher helps kids bring their grief to the surface but that doesn't sit too well the other adults ... says something about the culture and attitudes we've created between children and adults. The immigration side of the story shows the difference between the US and Canada. The acting, specially by those portraying the kids in the school, is wonderful. A good story that will probably stick in your head for a while, but the ending leaves you with wanting more. My Rating: 7.0