In a school in Montreal, an Algerian immigrant replaces a teacher who committed suicide.

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No one knows much about Bachir Lazhar, except that he recently emigrated to Canada from Algeria and that his teaching methods are outdated. His kindness quickly wins over pupils and colleagues as he tries to sow the seeds of refection into his charges and not just teach them the curriculum. Which is why he encourages them to talk about death - a subject close to them, since their last teacher committed suicide. But there are parents who think differently and would be glad to be rid of the stranger...

An outsider's view, naïve and non-judgmental, is enough to cast a critical eye on things we take for granted and never question. Such as how schools and parents educate children. The performance of Algerian actor Fellag (who thus far has made comedies) is moving in its candid humanity and modesty. Thanks to his work, Quebecois director "Philippe Falardeau" has directed a wonderful film about children in "the city of sludge".