Denys Arcand delivers a beautiful film with THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS, the story of a man on his deathbed who is joined by his distant son and all his closest friends throughout the last--wonderful and loving--days of his life. In this follow-up to 1986's THE DECLINE OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE, the same characters reappear. Now Remy (Remy Girard), the horny history teacher, is hospitalized and in pain. But at the urging of his wife, Louise (Dorothee Berryman), Remy's son Sebastian (Stephane Rousseau) comes to his aid. Sebastian is a banker who tosses cash around, paying hospital administrators, union workers, Remy's former students, and even a local heroin dealer, to help make his father's last days as comfortable as possible. Along with this financial commitment also comes love, and the relationship between this father and son is touching.

The sometimes raucous and comic mood of the film, generated by perverted stories and silly jokes, stands in striking contrast to this serious story of life, sickness, and dying. But it is that balance, kept neatly in check by Arcand, that makes THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS a truly great cinematic feat, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

Theatrical Release: November 21, 2003 (NY/LA)

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Widescreen - 2.35
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surrround - English, French
Subtitles - English - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Featurette: INSIDE THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS

Distributor Notes: The Barbarian Invasions

Academy Award(R) winner for Best Foreign Language Film in 2003, THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a provocative look at the many ties that bind a group of friends and lovers. It's not easy for a narrow-minded professor (Remy Girard) to reconcile with his equally stubborn son. But soon, father and son find themselves gathering with their wide and colorful circle of family and friends to confront their differences, confess their secrets, and celebrate life! Winner of the Best Actress (Marie-Josee Croze) and Best Screenplay awards at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival -- critics everywhere hailed this outstanding motion picture as one of the year's best!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Remy Girard: 
Stephane Rousseau: Actor, BARBARIAN INVASIONS (2003)
Marie-Josee Croze: Canadian Actress/ CAPTIVE (1998)
Dorothee Berryman: Actress/"Scanners Ii"
Johanne-Marie Tremblay: Actor/"Jesus Of Montreal"
Pierre Curzi: Actor/"Pouvoir Intime"
Yves Jacques: actor
Louise Portal: Actress/"Klutz"
Dominique Michel: 

Denys Arcand: Canadian Director

Denise Robert: STARDOM
Daniel Louis: Associate Producer, THE WIDOW OF SAINT-PIERRE (2000)

Denys Arcand: Canadian Director

"[A] movie with brains, indignation, irony and idealism -- a film about people who think seriously, and express themselves with passion."
"A moving, note-perfect Oscar-winner."
"...Girard and Marie-Josee Croze bring piercing insight to their portrayals..."
"...Arcand generates a mood of wistful tranquility..."
"[T]his is a smart piece of work."
"...Remy Girard gives a hilariously scrappy performance....The Oscar for best foreign film belongs right here..."
"...Generous-spirited and bracing....A rueful comic drama about attempting to make sense of one's life..."