Arcand’s intelligent, witty, delicate film is a constant joy and for once the academy got it right — this foreign language film richly deserved its Oscar.

| Jan 3, 2024

It is a beauty. It blitzes all the phoniness, pretentiousness and political correctness around today, savages icons of popular and national culture, gives the finger to religious untouchables like Mother Theresa, and brought the house down.

| Jan 10, 2018

Arcand's own script is delightfully fluid, his direction poised.

| Jan 9, 2018

Despite an uneven cast, Arcand finds a tonal balance between sentimental and cynical that keeps the conversations real and heart wrenching.

| Mar 23, 2010

A full-bodied, funny and gloriously unpretentious ode to family, friendship and the meaning of life.

Full Review | Aug 7, 2008

So many fascinating ideas are raised here that Arcand's decision to explore them within the context of a self-satisfied soap is disappointing.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2006

Both the comedy and the weepy moments tend towards the trite, but the film is directed and performed with such brio and manipulative skill that one eventually succumbs to its somewhat dubious charms.

| Jan 26, 2006

The movie is brutally funny and ironic about the way this corrupt world is manipulated by the cynical Sbastien.

| Apr 9, 2004

A sharp-witted delight.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 16, 2004

Ultimately a gracious, even sweet-natured film, optimistic almost despite itself.

| Mar 2, 2004

Warm, wise and witty.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 3, 2004

Arcand avoids the temptation of turning the story into a tear-jerker.

| Jan 16, 2004

If you haven't seen the original, which, if memory serves, was billed as 'The Big Chill with a doctorate,' no worries. Arcand's follow-up stands alone as a universal story of generational reconciliation.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 26, 2003

Admirable in its refusal to be politically correct.

Full Review | Dec 19, 2003

A movie that, in the story of one man dying, shows us all how to live.

Full Review | Dec 19, 2003

As fondly remembered as [The Bill Chill and The Decline of the American Empire] are, Arcand's Barbarian Invasions surpasses them both.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 19, 2003

The treatment of the subject isn't maudlin, thanks to a witty script and an enormously likable lead character.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 19, 2003

A film about one death that is fully vibrant with both life and love.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Dec 19, 2003

While it would seem like an unlikely candidate for a sequel, The Barbarian Invasions at least revives its talky debates over the things that matter: politics, literature, love, friendship and, of course, sex.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 19, 2003

Fun to watch.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 19, 2003