MONSIEUR LAZHAR

As the credits came up we turned to each other at the Violet Crown nodded and said "beautiful."  This Canadian film is  BEAUTIFUL.  An elementary school teacher commits suicide leaving her intelligent  and precocious 11y.o. students grief stricken and abandoned.  The adults in their lives are not fully understanding the depth of their grief and would rather have the kids not talk about it.  Monsieur Lazhar becomes their transition teacher and in the process of learning how to help these students he himself learns how to deal with his own personal grief and loss.  He is the Algerian teacher who walks into their lives and touches their wounds and attempts to offer some healing.  A beautifully made film written and directed by Philippe Falardeau.  The children actors are so believable and engaging.  Don't miss this film, it is a touch of grace.