Monsieur Lazhar
Seen it?2011 | 94 min | Drama, Comedy
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Holdovers, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 34 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
During a harsh Montréal winter, an elementary-school class is left reeling after its teacher commits suicide. Bachir Lazhar, a charismatic Algerian immigrant, steps in as the substitute teacher for the classroom of traumatized children. All the while, he must keep his personal life tucked away: the fact that he is seeking political refuge in Québec – and that he, like the children, has suffered an appalling loss.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$7 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 24K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Detachment
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Cast & crew
Directed by Philippe Falardeau
- Mohamed FellagBachir Lazhar
- Émilien NéronSimon
- Danielle ProulxMme Vaillancourt
- Sophie NélisseAlice L'Écuyer
- Marie-Ève BeauregardMarie-Frédérique
- Denise LamontagneParent
- Brigitte PoupartClaire
- Louis ChampagneConcierge
- Daniel GadouasMe Gilbert Danis
- Vincent MillardVictor