The Eighth Day Movie Review 1995

Sugary story about workaholic businessman Harry (Auteuil), whose wife Julie (Miou-Miou) has just left him, taking their daughters. Driving home, Harry finds Georges (Duquenne) by the side of the road. Georges, who has Downs syndrome, has left the institution he's been living in and, though Harry tries to take him to the nearest police station, Georges refuses to leave him. Naturally, the emotionally deprived Harry begins to loosen up and, when Georges is finally returned to his group home, all his friends decide to help with Harry's attempts to win back his family. Thick with whimsy but the lead performances are excellent. French with subtitles.

Distribution

USA Home Entertainment, 1 W. Forest, Englewood, NJ 07631-4004, Phone: (201)871-1000, URL: http://www.polygram-us.com

Available on VHS
Running time 108 minutes.
Originally from French, Belgian.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Mental Retardation, Repressed Men, Buddies, Lovable Loonies

Screenplay

Jaco Van Dormael

Cast

Daniel Auteuil, Pascal Duquenne, Miou-Miou, Henri Garcin, Fabienne Loriaux, Isabelle Sadoyan, Helene Roussel, Michele Maes

Cinematography

Walther Vanden Ende

Director

Jaco Van Dormael

Music

Pierre Van Dormael

Producer

Philippe Godeau, Eric Rommeluere, Dominique Josset, Gramercy Pictures

Awards

Cannes 1996: Actor (Auteuil), Actor (Duquenne).