Larger ImageAcclaimed director Denys Arcand’s ('The Decline of the American Empire', 'Jesus of Montreal' - both released by Artificial Eye) triumphant return and double Cannes prize winner, THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS, is an acerbic and sharply written masterpiece - a witty, tender and intelligent drama comedy concerning the universal themes of love, faith, family and mortality. In his younger days as a university professor Rémy (RÉMY GIRARD) was known for his love of women, words and lust for life.
Now divorced and in his early fifties, Rémy is hospitalised and awaits his ordeal in an overcrowded hospital in Montreal. Unbeknownst to him, his sympathetic ex-wife, Louise (Dorothée Berryman), asks their son Sébastien (Stéphane Rousseau) to come home from London where he now lives as a successful financial wheeler and dealer. Sébastien hesitates; he and his father haven't had much to say to one another for years now. In fact they detest each other. To Rémy, Sébastien represents the barbarian at the gates of the citadel - acquisitive, non-intellectual, and threatening everything Rémy holds dear. Sébastien for his part is equally contemptuous of his father who abandoned him and his mother. However Sébastien relents, and flies to Montreal with his beautiful fiancée to support his father, and help his mother...
As soon as he arrives, Sébastien is appalled by the terrible conditions which Rémy is placed and puts his financial dealing techniques and abundant cash to work greasing palms at every turn; bribing and cajoling administrators, union leaders, ex-students and policemen in order to make his father's growing illness more comfortable. He also meets up with an old childhood friend Nathalie, (Cannes Best Actress Winner, Marie-Josée Croze) whose access to illicit drugs will also play a role, and whose innocence and vulnerability will attract Sébastien when he least expects it. Sébastien also reunites Rémy with his closest friends and former mistresses - most of whom he has not seen in years. What have they become in this age of 'barbarian invasions'? Is the old irreverence, friendship and truculence still there? Do humour, hedonism and desire still inhabit their dreams?
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a richly rewarding experience and a gleefully irreverent black satire, retaining much of the astutely observed wit that was a hallmark of Arcand's earlier classics. The film also boasts compelling performances from his uniformly excellent cast. Rémy Girard and Stéphane Rousseau are particularly outstanding in the genuinely touching relationship between father and son.
French with English Subtitles
Certification: 18
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