
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.
Bachir Lazhar

Simon

Mme Vaillancourt

Alice L'Écuyer

Marie-Frédérique

Parent

Claire

Concierge

Me Gilbert Danis

Victor

Abdelmalek
Boris
Jordan

Shanel
Gaston

Mme Dumas

Audrée
Psychologue

Commissaire

Procureur

Mère d'Alice

Père de Marie-Frédérique

Mère de Marie-Frédérique

Professeur d'anglais

Professeur de judo
Professeur