Monsieur Lazhar

1h 34m · 2011 · Directed by Philippe Falardeau · 3.8 / 5 on Letterboxd

Monsieur Lazhar (2011) runs 1h 34m, directed by Philippe Falardeau. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

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: Drama, Comedy

No US streaming listed when we last checked (9 July 2026). Availability changes often.