97% Monsieur Lazhar

All Critics (93) | Top Critics (30) | Fresh (90) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)

A gentle film can still be searing in its effect on an audience, something that "Monsieur Lazhar" proves emphatically.

With a few folds, this story could have made a script for John Barrymore, like Topaze, or for Chaplin.

A sad, reflective study of the possibilities, and the impossibilities, inherent in the teacher-student relationship.

"Monsieur Lazhar" is good. Really good.

The film is rich in naturalistic, tossed-off details.

A standard liberal tale about an inspirational teacher gradually deepens into a quiet study of how grief works its way through a community.

Falardeau's adaptation of fellow Qu?b?cois Evelyne de la Cheneli?re's play honours the power of the written word (a motif reinforced throughout the film), and expands on its stage origins via remarkably-assured cinematic touches.

Falardeau dances delicately along the razor's edge of the familiar and the conventional. But he does so with tact and taste and just the right blend of tension and relief.

This moving film features exquisite performances by Fellag and a stunning ensemble of child actors. The movie also gets high marks in cinematography, sound, original musical score and editing.

Although it raises timeless questions about life and loss, and timely ones about mentorship and multiculturalism, "Monsieur Lazhar" would rather teach than preach.

... the perfect school drama for people who hate the Hollywood version of the genre, but are open to simple and moving stories about people doing the best they can in a world that doesn't always seem to encourage that approach.

A humanistic story about how tragedy has different effects on people.

a naturalistic ensemble drama about the possibilities - and the limitations - of the teacher-pupil relationship ... probably too low-key for mainstream multiplex tastes, Monsieur Lazhar is a temperate, generous and deeply affecting experience.

As the teacher, Fellag suggests Robert Downey Jr. channeling a quietly reflective Robert De Niro.

This is a good movie about teaching, but more importantly, a good movie about the loss of a loved one and how to cope with death.

There's a lighthearted inspiration infused throughout Monsieur Lazhar that makes it also touching, but never maudlin.

Everything about the film sets exactly the right tone, from the unforced and winning performances by the main children to the wintry cinematography to Fellag's quietly rueful performance.

The rare sort of movie that chooses not to focus on the dramatic, pivotal moments that happen in life, but what comes after.

One of the most touching films of the year. A brilliant tragedy that transcends boundaries of age, country, race, religion and gender.

tender and sincere, frequently striking a fine balance between the dictates of the "inspirational teacher" genre and a more mundane kind of realism that tamps down easy sentimentality and strives for something more organic and genuine

Takes the fairly dreadful 'teacher who makes a difference' sub-genre and puts an interesting new spin on it that gives it the allure of something fresh.

Some teachers will learn from it. All teachers will find it a reaffirmation of their vocation.

Impressively directed and superbly written, this is an emotionally engaging, deservedly Oscar-nominated drama with a terrific central performance from Mohamed Sa?d Fellag.

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