a very moving movie. The substitute teacher and the children courageously tackled the issue of death they experienced first hand yet others chose to avoid. I feel this movie also reveals the underlying current in the education system nowadays where we are not supposed to mention the word "failure" or talk about "death" etc. unpleasant issues in life that people are bound to face and experience sooner or later. When can learning take place without students experiencing some discomfort and unease? A great movie with a very moving ending.

This was an amazing film. Should be required watching by all parents of 10-12 year olds AND all teachers of 4th - 6th graders. This covers a sensitive topic that the children wanted to discuss but the adults around them avoided. Very well done. AND watch the added features. This director is quite good. We are going to order some of his earlier films.

Wow, this film took me by complete surprise! A wonderful exposé on death and grief, and so many other things. Highly recommended.

Good movie that shows the journey of an Algerian immigrant, recently bereaved, who nonetheless acts as an adult and steps up to help a middle school classroom coping with their teacher's suicide. He is not perfect and tells lies that ultimately catch up with him. There's a subplot exploring a friendship between two sensitive children affected by the death. Also an interesting view into the culture of Montreal, firmly French in the middle of Canada. Note: in French with English subtitles.

Des thèmes bouleversants réalisés avec subtilité.

A pretty derivative story of tribulation and healing with loveable youngsters, distressed adults, and a foreign voice who somehow manages to bridge all the gaps. The parallel between Bachir’s experience and that of his students is perhaps too clearly delineated and it’s hard to believe the school administration could be that rigid, but the low-keyed performances are top-notch all around and Falardeau keeps it refreshingly free from the overstated dramatics one would expect (although Émilien Néron’s Simon will have you reaching for the kleenex eventually). A gently engaging film which is nevertheless quickly forgotten once the houselights come on.

Everything is good about this movie.

Great story. The movie offered surprises especially in the development of certain characters

A nice enough film, perhaps more enjoyable for viewers familiar with the good old days in French primary schools: the daily dictée, the mastery of grammar, the importance of respect and self-discipline, and so on. Here those classical values, brought to a Montreal school by an Algerian refugee imbued with French culture, gently collide with the more touchy-feely pedagogy of today. The ending is predictable, but the journey is worth the effort. To better appreciate the cultural context in which our Monsieur Lazhar was trained, don't miss 'Etre et avoir', a profound and moving documentary on the old-style village school in France.

Excellent story and brought a few tears to my eyes.