1186. Les Invasions Barbares

Les Invasions Barbares
The Barbarian Invasions
2003

Directed by Denys Arcand

I didn't realize at first that this movie is a sequel to The Decline of the American Empire. The characters are in a much different place, so it's not necessary to watch The Decline to understand what's going on. It's been awhile since I saw The Decline, but I was once again captivated by the dialogue and characters in this story.

17 years after the events of the first movie, Sebastien is alerted by his mother that his father Remy is ill with terminal cancer. Despite having deeply rooted issues with his father, Sebastien is determined to give him the highest level of care. When he learns that heroin will keep his father out of pain more than morphine, he finds a dealer to keep him supplied with the drug. Meanwhile, Remy is reunited with his intellectual friends who come to visit, and they discuss the current state of the planet.

I always think it is fascinating to hear a foreigner's opinion on U.S. History or Politics, and for me the best part of the movie was the conversations. The story was very moving, and naturally, depressing as hell. But I still managed to feel hopeful by the end.

The best movie we have had for awhile.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

First sequel to win Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

742. The Decline of the American Empire

The Decline of the American Empire
1986
Directed by Denys Arcand

Who doesn't want to watch a group of intellectuals talk about sex?  I certainly can't get enough of it, as I have watched all of the episodes of Sex and The City many times.  Perhaps I shouldn't admit that.

Four Montreal professors gather at a country house for a weekend.  Remy is married, Claude is a homosexual, Pierre has a girlfriend, and Alain is a confirmed bachelor.  They bring along four female guests.  Louise is Remy's wife, Dominique is a confirmed bachelorette (I refuse to call unmarried women spinsters when men get to be called bachelors), Danielle is Pierre's girlfriend, and Diane is divorced.  Surely that covers enough categories that everyone can find one to identify with.  Anyway, the women talk about sex together and the men talk about sex together then they all talk about sex together.

Anyone who is a fan of dialogue driven movies will absolutely love this. These people talk about sex like they have such control over their emotions when they really are completely clueless about the people around them.  It's fun watching intellectuals flounder in the face of real passion, that's why I can't stop reading Victorian romance novels.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.