Barbarian Invasions

Pros: Girard, Rousseau, Croze, lush cinematography
Cons: Sensitive Canucks might feel a bit bashed

[If the following is to make any sense, you should probably read my Ten Obstructions "write-off" announcement before continuing. Unless you are of sound mind and stout heart, what follows will come across as more ...

Pros: A witty and poignant script, very good performances, uplifting portrayal of potentially morbid subject matter
Cons: Somewhat shallow treatment of controversial subject matter (euthanasia and addiction)

Denys Arcard’s The Barbarian Invasions was the 2003 Academy Award winner in the Best Foreign Film category. It came as long overdue recognition for a director who has been making interesting films for quite a while. The Barbarian ...

Pros: Great acting, intriguing story, rich characters
Cons: Drags in some areas

Dying is never an easy thing to do, but Remy (Remy Girard) is determined to make his own passing as easy as possible when he is told he has very little time left to live. He immediately calls all the people who are important to him to his ...

Pros: Wonderful ensemble; powerfully humane and touching
Cons: Remy's character may repel some with culturally insensitive remarks

Early in French-Canadian import THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS, dying history professor Remy (Remy Girard) is receiving a check-up in an American facility accompanied by his estranged son, Sebastien (Stephane Rousseau, a dead ringer for Guy Pearce). "Christmas ...