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Showing reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 65)
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I like this movie of Arcand. The way that they showed how someone has to deal with a disease is realistic and touch us also. Good movie.
8/10
15.8.2006 -
sam4him@ - age: 18-25
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I thoroughly enjoyed this very touching movie with an excellent cast of actors. Deals with sensitive subject like death, love, sex, frendship, family, and forgiveness.
7/10
3.11.2005 -
hagger123@ - age: 50+
This movie was not a masterpiece however, it wasn't bad either. Some of the acting could have been better and the editing of the movie in general was not impressive. The way the scenes switched seem amature. An average film, not recommended unless you have nothing else to do.
6/10
26.9.2005 -
tiffanymcneil@ - age: 13-17
I liked very much this film of Arcand, where the description of death may be laughably unrealistic."Barbarian Invasions" is funny, sensitive, endlessly discussible I think is not about social issues but about the unfinished business of life and the regret that accompanies the realization that life is, indeed, incredibly short. Seek this one out-it is worth the hunt.
8/10
22.4.2005 -
armando,cuturi@ - age: 26-35
I found the irony in this film enjoyable - the capitalist son, who eschews reading and philosophy, is the one who brings (and buys) joy and friendship back into his socialist father's life. Benevolent capitalism? The pro-capitalist position was a bit too syrupy and obvious for me but I otherwise enjoyed this fil.
7/10
15.8.2004 -
physics534@ - age: 26-35
Long, dull movie, no climax whatsoever..
2/10
21.7.2004 -
fox_silvia@ - age: 18-25
Sniff! This very nice movie relays the simple message of cherishing your loved ones and all the 'special' small things in life which make life BIG! :) A must-see: touch the ones you love and tell them how much you love them - sniff! (Tissue paper recommended @ the movies ; )) Nanor :)
9/10
13.7.2004 -
nanoretta@ - age: 26-35
OK it was Canadian, but do we have to give it such high marks. It was more like a Felini film, with everyone doing wierd things and only Felini knowing why. Does the ex wife and ex lovers of a guy all sit around joking about the oral sex they had with him as he dies. Do all the friends that he has not seen for years suddenly have oodles of spare time to be there for someone they had lost contact with? Give me a break! And who were the barbarians anyway? These talented actors could have produced something meaningful!
6/10
9.5.2004 -
rodbaker@ - age: 50+
Awesome! The only film this year which had to win the Best Film nomination on OSCAR. Must to see for everybody who likes to watch serious films. Canadians should be very proud of this film.
10/10
5.4.2004 -
grinshtein@ - age: 26-35
This is the best french movie I've ever seen.
10/10
31.3.2004 -
claudiamanzur9@ - age: 18-25
The movie was very interesting to watch and the characters were quite charming, but in my opinion it had very little to do with the real life. I have lived in Montreal for several years, and nothing in the movie reminded me of the real feeling of the local environment, including the hospital scenes. The characters, random faces, general people's attitude are taken completely from imagination, such as the couple of policemen, the catholic woman, the university students, the union people, the new nurse from Bulgaria, other hospital workers and hospital patiens (in short: everybody) It feels like a movie made by a very intelligent person who, however, has never looked outside of his small social circle of Quebecois intellectuals and is mainly concerned with the topics that matter to this particular group. It definitelly can be enjoyable for eveybody, but deep and touching... ?
7/10
31.3.2004 -
anikro@ - age: 26-35
A beautiful and delicate film, with very moving parts, and beautiful scenes.
9/10
26.3.2004 -
negar_ta@ - age: 18-25
I thought that this movie was fantastic. After 30 sec I was so engrossed in the movie that the sub-titles weren't even an issue. Its also great to see that Canadian film makers are getting recognized for their hardwork by hollywood!
9/10
17.3.2004 -
cpearce@ - age: 18-25
Without trying to be duplicitous let me say that I immensely enjoyed the movie and the manner in which the story was weaved by Mr. Arcand. Great dialogue; well honed humour; spendid Canadian eastern scenery; a reasonably paced flick in spite of the topic. A good see to be sure.
9/10
13.3.2004 -
voltr_48@ - age: 50+
A touching movie about a son and others being there for an imperfect, fallible but "human" man near death. The strengthening of the relationship between the father and son moved me. An interesting look at Quebec culture and health care system. An excellent script, full of intelligent humor. I am sure glad this movie won Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. A much better positive presentation of euthanasia then the "LIfe of David Gale." The scene with the former drug addict administering the the final dosage of medicinal heroin reminded me of Juliette Binoche administering the final dosage of morphine to Ralph Fiennes in "The English Patient." Denys Arcand is certainly one of the greatest directors in Canada and the rest of the world.
10/10
10.3.2004 -
mjohnz1@ - age: 26-35
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This movie was a delight. Not at all realistic, more of a 'philosophers' coming of age' tale. The contrived situations created for their gathering again were done with the cynical humour of a left-winger who has seen the world go on, without his input. I was a beatnik, an existentialist, and probably all those other things referred to in the film during my time - wondrous, the idea of still being young.
8/10
4.3.2004 -
mj_brown@ - age: 50+
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The Barbarian Invasions was a pretty good movie. The acting was great and some of the jokes I actually got. It isn't a comedy like The Decline of The American Empire it has a more serious tone. I advise anyone who has not seen any subtitled movies, rent a couple before going to see this.
7/10
28.2.2004 -
oliverpavia@ - age: 13-17
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Finally, a film that demonstrates how wrong the Beatles were when they sang "Money can't buy me love"! At last, a chance to see a rich young man buy his father's love by buying off corrupt unions, jargonizing hospital administrators, jaded students, and old friends and mistresses of the old man. Remi, the dying father, was an idealist who clearly hadn't taken seriously the message the Freedom 55 advertising in his younger days (if he's even put down his books long enough to watch television) and now was dying at the age of 55 with no money of his own to bribe his way into a private hospital room. He even seems content to die in a room full of strangers, including one quiet family of darker-skinned people, until his impeccably-dressed son sweeps in and buys him what nobody (other than rich Americans) can have. This is a movie that admires wealth and priviledge, extols the value of individual strengh against collective well-being. It's a triumph of the will in a modern family. And it sure puts Canada in its place.
4/10
24.2.2004 -
salton@ - age: 50+
A brilliant film. I went to a version without subtitles, even though my French is not perfect. But so much is said outside the dialogue..
9/10
8.2.2004 -
wardhuber@ - age: 36-49
Probably the best Quebecois movie ever made! Better than Léolo: the best movie before the advent of this gem. Only for intelligent people! If you are also sensitive, then it will get you there too.
9/10
7.2.2004 -
pohana@ - age: 36-49
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This movie is not as refreshing as the Declin de l'Empire américain was, but it still made it on my "10 best films" list.
9/10
28.1.2004 -
nwbexec@ - age: 36-49
A somber tale of a Quebec man dying of Cancer. Film tries to parallel the invasion of Cancer in the mans body with the rot of North American society and culture and the mans own indiscretions and poor life decisions. Sometimes interesting and entertaining but a little too much verbal diarrhea for my tastes... still it worth a look for its good performances and nice direction.
7/10
23.1.2004 -
rpmail@ - age: 36-49
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The movie fails to convince that there is any barbarian invasion or, at any rate, a new invasion. But that's quibbling. It's just a lot of fun to sit and listen (or read) an ensemble of excellent actors say witty and urbane things for a couple of hours.
8/10
12.1.2004 -
larsporsena@ - age: 50+
As a big fan of Denys Arcand, I am biased. This was a great film, really enjoyed it.
9/10
28.12.2003 -
jigger@ - age: 36-49
A charming and funny movie! However, I would like to see a French-Canadian production emphasize their own history as opposed to abundant concern for the Spanish Inquisition or Vatican controversies. Considering the age of most protagonists, I was somewhat surprised there was no mention of current events (October Crisis, War Measures Act, etc. ) that have played a major role in Quebeckers history.
7/10
28.12.2003 -
angberr@ - age: 26-35
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I was a big fan of "Decline of the American Empire" and this was like visiting old friends. Beautiful and funny.
10/10
26.12.2003 -
slummer@ - age: 36-49
This movie hit me on many levels. To name a few. The father son relationship was very well done. The constant theme of love of life juxtaposed against a fear of death. The explicit depiction of sexuality presented in a most humourous way that is rarely found in a Hollywood production. At the end of it, I walked out quite content.
8/10
23.12.2003 -
pheonixrising39@ - age: 36-49
A great Movie. You'll go out of the theater with feeling of oness.
10/10
5.12.2003 -
jmmenard@ - age: 36-49
Beautiful in many dimensions. Excellent character development and acting. Multiple layers and contradictions on the good and evil theme. Sad and persuasive commentary on the state of our health care system - real (from an insider)
9/10
4.12.2003 -
murphycaroline@ - age: 36-49
Definitely not worth the hype.
6/10
28.11.2003 -
happiness@ - age: 26-35
I am French and I love french movies. This is a nice one, but I would not have given a palm... Interesting reflexion about life.
7/10
26.11.2003 -
sandala75@ - age: 26-35
Sad. Touching. Made me think a lot about life and death and the importance of friends and family. Puts things into perspective, I. E. what, in the end, really counts. Gives a scary idea of the health care system in times of budget cuts. The corruption in our society was exaggerated in the movie but illustrates the undeniable power of money.
9/10
26.11.2003 -
gouletjf@ - age: 26-35
Suprisingly one of the best movies I have seen all year and it is Canadian? The sequel to "The Fall Of The American Empire" is a film full of clever dialogue that extracts so much emotion. A touching look at redemption, and using as much time to fill your life with good things as you can. Bravo Denys Arcand! Excellently executed, and bravo Remy Girard, a fantastic performance indeed!
9/10
24.11.2003 -
valentino,a@ - age: 26-35
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This the best movie I have seen so far this year. For the person VIVELE who made a comment on 10.7, I would suggest that you learn to write before making comments about anything. Obviously, the language that you use demonstrates your intellectual level - sad.
9/10
22.11.2003 -
penelopelabarriere@ - age: 36-49
There are clearly some very unsophisticated people leaving comments about this movie, along the eloquent lines of "Sucked..." I'll assume they're 14-year olds who lied about their age, it's the only explanation I can think of. This was the best, most emotional film I have seen in a long time and merited every ounce of praise it received at Cannes. It may be worthwhile to see the Decline of the American Empire first, for those who were having difficulty finding the realism of the characters. This movie shows a tremendous amount of growth - from pure cynicism the director has moved toward empathy with the characters as they age. Do go and see it and don't be distracted by the random and unsupported criticisms on this site.
10/10
21.11.2003 -
candre@ - age: 18-25
Sex and philosophy had never been put together better than in The Decline Of The American Empire. Its sequel doesn't disappoint. It's the same characters years later. There are great scenes in this movie. It is touching, poignant, and yes, sexy, all in one. The film explores the whole person, not just what is visible. And who wouldn't like to dissect Remi's character? Of course it is comedic that such a charismatic, sensitive, and multi-timing rogue is loved so much, but this is not the point here. Don't we all wish we were Remi, at least at some point in his life. The characters are a manifestation of their society, so there is no need to blame them is what the message is here. There is no good and evil, but always something in between.
8/10
15.11.2003 -
tedk68@ - age: 26-35
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I really like this film. Ricardo from Brazil.
10/10
1.11.2003 -
ricardolindstaedt@ - age: 26-35
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I had great expectations about "The Barbarian Invasions", but ended up disappointed. The central character, Rémi, left me cold. The way all his friends, family, mistresses (many of whom he'd let down in the past for his own selfish needs and purposes)gathered around to support him through the process of his death should have touched me. I think Rémi was meant to come across as somewhat of a loveable rogue, and because he was such an intellectual and sweet old rascal everyone could forgive him, hug him, pat him on the back and shed a few tears at his demise; I couldn't find much in Rémi to warrant all the attention and concern. I found it difficult to feel sympathy for the other characters as well, since they seemed shallow and materialistic. The underlying notion that money can buy everything, and that ideals aren't worth much and should be thrown out the window in order to make our lives comfortable, didn't appeal to me. One of the few characters for whom I could feel some sympathy was that of the young female drug addict, who had more sincerity than the others. That said, there were some parts of the film I found worth seeing (such as the parts commenting on the state of our health system) but even those were full of clichés.
5/10
19.10.2003 -
erinmad@ - age: 50+
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This movie especially touched me. Although I am not Canadian and am not familiar with Denys Arcand's films, I can see how he feels about a lot of different issues, the Canadian Health Care System, the Catholic Church, euthanasia, love, forgiveness, families. Because I have a family member who is terminally ill, it made me reflect on how to best help someone die. How to give meaning to what their life has been. I laughed, I cried (not a novel concept) and I meditated on how you measure the value of a person's life. Even though some of the film was a bit unrealistic, I think that was minor and it spoke not to a realistic plot but to a character study and a study of life and death and its effect on humanity, especially within a family. It was extremely humanistic and heartfelt. I loved it!
10/10
14.10.2003 -
annec@ - age: 50+
Outstanding movie. By far the best movie I, ve seen this year. It is both funny and powerfully moving as it taps into the human heart.
10/10
2.10.2003 -
marco,altieri@ - age: 36-49
Absolutely splendid, audacious even! This movie was so magnificent I think I'll sing a song about it! Hehe :) karim.
10/10
19.9.2003 -
karim_beyhum@ - age: 18-25
I really loved the movie, excellent work, very good story, one of the best movie I seen this year! I give it a 10/10.
10/10
15.9.2003 -
nathaliebellefeuille@ - age: 26-35
This is a well acted and directed film with lots of humanity and humor. One of the best films of quebec ever.
10/10
22.8.2003 -
rergam@ - age: 50+
Movie sucked. Nothing but Qubecker bullshit... You live in the real world, you should join it.
1/10
10.7.2003 -
vivele@ - age: 26-35
What a depressing movie...
5/10
3.7.2003 -
mmissonn@ - age: 26-35
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I enjoyed this film as it was a refreshing break from the usual Hollywood fare. Although the movie has an international allure, it is especially poignant for Montrealers, both French and English alike, as it takes place in this city. The characters are interesting and the plot is somewhat off the wall, but credible. I did have a problem with a couple of points in the film: namely its scathing portrayal of the Canadian medical system and its railing against the Catholic religion. Seems like the director stuffed in too many topics to tackle, but in all it is a film worth seeing.
8/10
2.7.2003 -
aspilberg@ - age: 36-49
Not bad, the acting was pretty good but the story was a little unrealistic at times. Nothing in this movie is too profound, but it has some entertaining moments nonetheless.
7/10
27.6.2003 -
barrett@ - age: 26-35
I was enraptured during the whole movie. The time flew by. Best movie I have ever seen. In French, this was my age group, my generation's history and attitude, my educational history having read all authors and philosophers mentioned, our all around type of schooling which exposed us to all subjects without specializing in any and making us wide open to the changes which followed. A masterpiece.
10/10
11.6.2003 -
lschaefer@ - age: 50+
I hated this movie! Dont even rent it.
1/10
10.6.2003 -
amandah62@ - age: 13-17
Superbe! A masterpiece!
10/10
10.6.2003 -
dancesinherunderwear@ - age: 18-25
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