To continue getting breaking news and the full stories from The Boston Globe, subscribe today.

The Boston Globe

Movies

Boston.com

‘Monsieur Lazhar’ director Philippe Falardeau is a quick study

By Christopher Wallenberg

 |  Globe Correspondent  

  April 15, 2012

Hollywood classics like "To Sir, With Love," "Stand and Deliver," and "Dangerous Minds" epitomize the genre of classroom drama that centers on an unconventional, heroic schoolteacher who seeks to win over and reform a group of antagonistic pupils. That notion may play into a fantasy about the ease of fixing problems in urban school districts. But for French-Canadian writer-director Philippe Falardeau, whose classroom-set film "Monsieur Lazhar" opens Friday, the cliches of that well-worn story line offered lessons on what to avoid.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help