Overview

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.

Genres

Cast

Mohamed Fellag

Bachir Lazhar

Émilien Néron

Simon

Danielle Proulx

Mme Vaillancourt

Sophie Nélisse

Alice L'Écuyer

Marie-Ève Beauregard

Marie-Frédérique

Denise Lamontagne

Parent

Brigitte Poupart

Claire

Louis Champagne

Concierge

Daniel Gadouas

Me Gilbert Danis

Vincent Millard

Victor

Gabriel Verdier

Jordan

Jules Philip

Gaston