Monsieur Lazhar

Most of us have had a teacher who we found inspirational and we credit with teaching us some valuable life lessons. Film makers love to explore this relationship in film.
Films about school teachers are all pretty much the same. You have a classroom full of troubled kids who need guidance. In walks a teacher who is different to all the others and and becomes an inspiration to the kids. 'Monsieur Lazhar' has all these elements but takes a unique perspective on them. The children are troubled because of a tragic event. They are essentially good kids but just a little bit upset. Then into their lives comes a man who is also upset over a tragic event in his life. It is through this relationship that both teacher and students learn to overcome their grief.
A story like this is unique not just because of the tragic event the kids witness but also in the way the film is made. Many teacher/student films are cliched and predictable but 'Monsieur Lazhar' gives this genre a very fresh perspective. Director Philippe Falardeau has made the film in a documentary like way which makes it more emotional and real. You come to really care for these characters and what they are going through. It also explores an issue which haunts many teachers, the one of physical contact with children. There is an emotional bond which naturally develops with teachers and students so it is inevitable that some physical contact will occur. But in this day and age that sort of thing is considered out of bounds. I know it is a privilege which can be abused by some people but it also leads to a great deal of anxiety by the teachers.
Mohamed Fellag gives a nicely understated performance as our title character Mr. Lazhar. While he does not do much Mohamed manages to bring a great deal of emotion to this character. He is obviously hiding a secret, so not only dealing with that issue but also helping this group of troubled kids get over their grief. While all of the child actors in the film are brilliant the film focuses on two who give brilliant performances. Emilien Neron is a very talented young actor whose character holds the biggest amount of emotion and Emilien handles that so well. Equally as good is his friend in the film Sophie Nelisse. Her character is the 'smarty-pants' of the class but it is her relationship with Emilien's character which drives most of the film and they two of them work so well together.
An important film that all school teachers should go see. But not just school teachers. Everyone needs to see this emotionally uplifting film.