Monsieur Lazhar
(2012, 91 minutes) Rated 12, FILMCLUB suggests 14+
Identity & Belonging Project theme: Change
What’s this film about?
Set in French-speaking Montreal, Monsieur Lazhar
deals with the aftermath of the tragic sudden death
of a popular teacher and its impact on her fragile
young class. A new teacher is quickly appointed, the
enigmatic Bachir Lazhar, who gradually earns the
trust of his class, despite his teaching methods being
somewhat different to what the class are used to.
Lazhar’s sensitivity gradually becomes apparent to
the more vulnerable pupils in the class and they start
to deal with their grief, however Lazhar is also
fighting his own personal demons that may
ultimately threaten his future with the pupils.
Why we have chosen this film?
Issues raised
Identity: Bachir is an immigrant fleeing political persecution in Algeria, seeking permanent
residence. State legislature forces him to conceal parts of his identity from his employers and pupils,
while more traumatic events are difficult for him to articulate. This is at the same time when the
children are at a particularly vulnerable stage with discovering their own identity and developing
their communication skills.
Personal Loss: The film explores the processes involved in learning how to grieve, the guilt that
children can sometimes have over events beyond their control and separation from one’s family,
either through political asylum, death or absence.
Culture and tradition: Bachir’s relatively traditional teaching methods are in contrast to the more
creative approach favoured in the French-Canadian school. Much is made in the film of ethics in
the classroom and the increased bureaucracy constraining practical approaches to teaching.
Be aware of...
A suicide theme discussed in quite frank detail. Another theme is dealing with the aftermath of
being a victim of political persecution. There is also occasional discriminatory language.
Before the film: Starter activity
Think back to your first day at a new school. How did you feel and what worries did you have?
Share a story about something in your background that says something about where you come
from. It can be as detailed as you like, but try to make it surprising or unusual.
How do you think the layout of your classroom affects the way you learn at school? Is there
anything about it you would change?
After the film: Discussion Questions
Why does Bachir decide to conceal details about his background from his class and colleagues?
“A classroom is a place of friendship, of work, of courtesy – yes, courtesy.” What does this statement
mean? Do you agree and how could it be put into practice?
Do you agree or disagree that being encouraged to share, and talk through difficult issues with
your peers can be a positive thing?
After the film: Further explorations
1. The children in the film hate it when Bachir insists on them doing dictation, but it is a discipline
that needs to be learned and developed. In small groups, think about how might you go about
making dictation a more interesting and entertaining task. Make it as fun as possible, but
remember to ensure that your pupils are still picking up the required skills and that all language
abilities are catered for.
2. One of the key parts of the final stages of the film is when Bachir asks all of the class members to
construct a fable around the theme of injustice, before reading it to the class and having it
corrected. In groups of three or four, devise a piece of drama around the injustice theme and
perform it to the rest of your film club. Other members should be ready to ask questions about
what you have just performed afterwards.
Get reviewing
Check the FILMCLUB Guide to Writing Effective Film Reviews – Secondary for ideas and activities to
help club members write their reviews.
http://www.filmclub.org/resources/details/353/review-writing-guide-secondary