|
As soon as he arrives, Sébastien is appalled by the terrible conditions which Rémy is placed and puts his financial dealing techniques and abundant cash to work greasing palms at every turn; bribing and cajoling administrators, union leaders, ex-students and policemen in order to make his father's growing illness more comfortable.
He also meets up with an old childhood friend Nathalie, (Cannes Best Actress Winner, Marie-Josée Croze) whose access to illicit drugs will also play a role, and whose innocence and vulnerability will attract Sébastien when he least expects it. Sébastien also reunites Rémy with his closest friends and former mistresses - most of whom he has not seen in years. What have they become in this age of 'barbarian invasions'? Is the old irreverence, friendship and truculence still there? Do humour, hedonism and desire still inhabit their dreams?
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a richly rewarding experience and a gleefully irreverent black satire, retaining much of the astutely observed wit that was a hallmark of Arcand's earlier classics. The film also boasts compelling performances from his uniformly excellent cast. Rémy Girard and Stéphane Rousseau are particularly outstanding in the genuinely touching relationship between father and son.
|
|
