1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Hollywood Movies

"The Barbarian Invasions" DVD Review

About.com Rating four out of Five

By Rebecca Murray, About.com

Barbarian Invasions DVD

"The Barbarian Invasions" on DVD

Photo © Miramax Films

The Bottom Line

I'm not a movie 'snob' but I generally don't watch movies with subtitles. I have a genuinely hard time concentrating on the acting and noticing all the nuances of the film while I'm reading the text. But with "The Barbarian Invasions," I discovered there can be joy in watching a movie with subtitles. One of the smartest movies released in the past few years, "The Barbarian Invasions" addresses a serious subject with warmth and humor.
Pros
  • One of the best films of 2003
  • Solid performances from a strong ensemble of actors
  • Emotionally touching without being maudlin, despite the serious subject
Cons
  • Only one bonus feature

Description

  • Inside "The Barbarian Invasions" - The actors socialize and discuss the meaning of the film
  • Original French language track
  • English subtitles
  • DVD Release Date: July 13, 2004

Guide Review - "The Barbarian Invasions" DVD Review

Writer/director Denys Arcand revisits the characters he created in 1986's "The Decline of the American Empire" with "The Barbarian Invasions." This time around, fun-loving woman-chaser Remy (Remy Girard) feels the need to reunite with his estranged businessman son after he's diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Though still very antagonistic toward each other, the two soon find themselves lovingly surrounded by their close circle of family and friends. Determined to put past grievances aside and embrace life, father and son work to develop a new understanding of each other before it's too late.

Incredibly touching and featuring a cast comfortable with each other and comfortable to watch, "The Barbarian Invasions" is one of those movies you can get lost in. Arcand has created easy to relate to characters, and has made each role in this ensemble fit snugly together.

Though lacking depth in the bonus features department, the one featurette included on the disc is better than most DVD commentary tracks. The actors are shown sitting around a dinner table, eating, drinking, and debating the film. It's quite fascinating to listen to this group talk about their private lives, and a few even shed tears over relationships and the eventual passing of loved ones. But don't watch the featurette before viewing the film as many of the points discussed could prove to be spoilers.

Compare Prices

Explore Hollywood Movies

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Hollywood Movies
  4. New Movies and DVDs
  5. DVDs
  6. The Barbarian Invasions DVD Review

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.