Although A Separation will clearly take the Oscar for Best Foreign Language film, there are a number of worthwhile contenders in the category. One of them is Canada’s entry Monsieur Lazhar, from director Philippe Falardeau. The drama follows a new schoolteacher dealing with his class, who are coping with the suicide of their last instructor.
We have a new trailer today via Apple, and it reminds me a bit of excellent 2008 film The Class, also nominated in the same category. Lazhar also made our list of films to check out at Sundance and you can see the new look below, before it arrives in limited theaters this spring.
Synopsis:
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, MONSIEUR LAZHAR tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle school class shaken by the death of their well-liked teacher and trying to heal. Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant, offers the school his services as a substitute teacher and is quickly hired. As he helps the children heal, he also learns to accept his own painful past. This moving film features exquisite performances by Fellag and a stunning ensemble of child actors.
Monsieur Lazhar hits theaters April 13th, 2012.