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THE REVIEW
When cinema meets current events or ethics or philosophy, a masterpiece is almost always born. Films like "The Barbarian Invasions" make you discuss what is ethical and what is not. Films like these keep you glued to the screen, make you laugh, cry, and finally reflect. A small modern masterpiece has the courage to analyze various themes: the father-son relationship, sex, couple life, death, illness, healthcare... For each theme, the same question always arises: is it right or wrong?
Is the role of Sébastien in the film right or wrong? Sébastien lives in a virtual world (often attached to his phone and laptop) earning a lot of money despite doing a "cold" job and is a child of the most advanced technology. In contrast, Remy, the father, does a "poetic" job (he's a university professor) and is there, lying on his deathbed, surrounded by four friends talking about the past, about a life lived irrationally and intensely, sleeping with young students, and eating excellent food. The story is set against the backdrop of friends and family, with their stories, their brilliant dialogues, and biting remarks.
On one side Remy's story is analyzed through his friends' accounts, on the other side, the son Sébastien acts, behaving in a certain way, moving comfortably in a society where money rules. Thanks to money, Sébastien will get what he wants, for the good of his father (but what good if he deeply hates him? Or maybe not?)
In conclusion, the merit of this film is to summarize life in 90 minutes: you laugh, you joke, you meet old friends and a son you haven't seen in a long time, you get moved, and finally, you ask yourself the right questions. It's life, made of few certainties and many, many questions.
Watch it, you'll have questions too.
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Summary by Bot
Denys Arcand’s The Barbarian Invasions is a profound film that explores life’s essential themes such as family bonds, ethics, death, and healthcare. The story contrasts two generations, highlighting societal and philosophical tensions. With sharp dialogues and emotional depth, the film invites viewers to laugh, cry, and deeply reflect. It successfully encapsulates life’s complex questions in just 90 minutes.
Denys Arcand
Denys Arcand is a Canadian film director and screenwriter from Quebec, known for incisive social satires such as The Decline of the American Empire (1986), Jesus of Montreal (1989), and The Barbarian Invasions (2003), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.03 Reviews
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"Les invasions barbares by Denys Arcand is a right-wing film."
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