The Barbarian Invasions (2003)

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Director Denys Arcand revisits the situations and relationships that informed his international breakthrough The Decline of the American Empire with this dialogue-driven character study. Set 17 years after Decline, The Barbarian Invasions, like its predecessor, examines the varying politics -- economic, personal, and sexual -- at play among an aging group of friends, lovers, and ex-spouses. This time around, leads Remy (Rémy Girard) and Louise (Dorothee Berryman) are divorced, with their son Sebastien (Stéphane Rousseau) living in capitalist splendor in London. But the slightly estranged family is brought together by Remy's losing battle with terminal cancer, and the hedonistic, ex-radical father and straight-laced son have to overcome their differences. Along the way, Remy waxes nostalgic with many of the same pals who made up the dinner party of the first film. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi

Starring:: Rémy Girard, Stéphane Rousseau, (more)

Director(s):: Denys Arcand

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: R

Format(s):: DVD
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Synopsis of The Barbarian Invasions

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:: 99 mins

Complete Cast of The Barbarian Invasions

Rémy Girard - Remy
Marie-Josée Croze - Nathalie
Dorothee Berryman - Louise
Dominique Michel - Dominique
Yves Jacques - Claude
Sophie Lorain - Premiere Amoureuse
Mitsou Gelinas - Ghislaine
Markita Boies - Suzanne L'Infirmiere
Roy Dupuis - Gilles Levac
Sylvie Drapeau - Deuxieme Amoureuse

Stéphane Rousseau - Sébastien
Marina Hands - Gaelle
Johanne-Marie Tremblay - Sister Constance
Louise Portal - Diane
Pierre Curzi - Pierre
Toni Cecchinato - Alessandro
Isabelle Blais - Sylvane
Micheline Lanctôt - Carole L'infirmiere
Denis Bouchard - Duharmel
Yves Desgagnes - Oleg

Director(s):: Denys Arcand

Writer(s):: Denys Arcand

Producer(s):: Daniel Louis, Denise Robert

Theatrical MPAA Rating:: R(Not For Children, Adult Language, Drug Content)

Categories:: Independent Films

The Barbarian Invasions Awards:

2003 - Cannes Film Festival - Best Actress
2003 - Cannes Film Festival - Best Screenplay
2003 - French Academy of Cinema - Best Director
2003 - French Academy of Cinema - Best Picture
2003 - French Academy of Cinema - Best Screenplay
2003 - Genie Awards - Best Director
2003 - Genie Awards - Best Original Screenplay
2003 - Genie Awards - Best Picture
2003 - Genie Awards - Best Supporting Actor
2003 - Genie Awards - Best Supporting Actress
2003 - National Board of Review - Best Foreign Film
2003 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay

Warning: This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews

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	Andrea P.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

I saw this film twice, the first time several years ago, and loved it more the second time around. The scene in which the actual, tragicomic death of former French president, Felix Faure, is discussed is priceless; Google it to know more. In general, the film is beautifully written and not necessarily sad, despite the looming death of the main character. As in real life, there are many things with which several of the characters must come to terms; Reny must simply do so quickly before he dies. This film is also an eye opener about the problematic (and yet essentially free) health care situation in Canada. Watch for clues about the meaning(s) of the film's title. I heard at least two allusions to it in the script.

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	DanaandGary W.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful

A great film. My husband hates subtitles, but loved this movie. It covers many issues and makes you think. Give it a chance.

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	Keith G.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

An intelligent, witty, barbed, but still emotional film about death, family, friends, class, intellectuals, hard headed capitalists vs. soft headed socialists and more. A sequel (17 years later!) to The ÂDecline of the American Empire, the film finds the same characters gathering together around the impending death from cancer of their Falstaffian friend Remy. While it is a bit prettified about the pain and indignities of dying from cancer, it is honest and funny and true about the compromises we make in life, the fact that few of us ever live up to our dreams and ideals, and even when we do, we sacrifice something in the process. A film where the final reconciliations feel earned and complex, not Hollywood easy. And where irony dances gracefully with sentiment.

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The Barbarian Invasions (2003)

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