Warm welcome return of a clever filmmaker

The Barbarian Invasions

Director: Denys Arcand

Cast: Remy Girard, Stephane Rousseau, Marina Hands, Marie-Josee Croze

Cert: 18

Arcand, who made the brilliant l989 Jesus of Montreal, returns to form with this excellent Cannes double award-winner (and double Oscar hopeful).

It tells the story of a young London-based banker (Rousseau) who returns to Canada to be with his estranged but now dangerously ill father (Girard). Back in Montreal he meets up with many old friends, also gathered at the bedside, and finds it is not easy to bridge the age gap.

Arcand brings to his film a dark insight yet an often very funny one. The film is a rich mixture of the cynical and witty and is played to perfection by all concerned. It is a warm welcome return of a clever filmmaker.

Star Rating: 4/5