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By
WAYNE KLEIN
A professor dying of cancer
decides it's time to reconcile with friends,
family and the life he's lead in the marvelous and
touching "The Barbarian Invasions" ("Les Invasions
Barbares"). These individuals, all of whom have
touched on his life at one point, gather to
celebrate good and bad times. The most difficult
reconciliation, though, is with the professor's
business orientated son. The son and father have
never seen eye to eye and they manage to open old
wounds before attempting to move on. The
professor's wealthy estranged son pays out of
pocket for private care for his father feeling it
is his duty to do so. He also attempts to score
heroin to ease his father's pain.
A very touching, funny drama "The Barbarian
Invasions" is presented in French with English
subtitles (although some of the spoke language is
English during certain sequences as well).
Director Deys Arcand touches on our fear of
mortality and leaving things unsaid or unresolved
with our own loved ones. Although this is a bout a
man who is dying, he's full of life throughout the
film indicating that Arcand's view on dying is
that it's just part of the process of living.
The film doesn't have much in the way of special
features but does have an unusual hour long
documentary on the making of the film. Originally
shot for Canadian television, it's an unusual and
thought provoking approach to a documentary. The
unique approach he takes makes this more than a
"clips" documentary. At one point, the cast share
dinner and their thoughts on their characters and
the story.
Well worth viewing although I'd recommend a rental
first only because this type of film will not
appeal to everyone. Still, for foreign film fans
I'd recommend purchasing this Academy Award winner
for Best Foreign Film from last year. |
