Monsieur Lazhar

“Monsieur Lazhar” is a French language Canadian production adapted from the play written by Evelyne de la Cheneliere. It stars Mohamed Fellag in a film written and directed by Phlippe Falardeau. Mr. Fellag, playing the title role, is a substitute teacher in the Quebec school system who takes over a class of students after their regular teacher commits suicide. How .the new teacher deals with this ensemble of children facing the mystery and awesomeness of death within their own school family makes this an exceptional film to view. Mr Fellag’s character, an émigré from Algiers who relocates in Quebec, is similar to his own life story since he himself left (or who was forced to leave) Algiers. Played with sensitivity and caring, Mr. Fellag brings to the part both pathos and humor as is often the case with comics who turn serious actor. Mention must also be made of the wonderful group of child actors who bring so much of their talent to the screen. I give this film 3 and ½ stars. It is really well worth seeing.