The Eighth Day, 1996

This was my introduction to the foreign movie world, and I have to acknowledge the fact that it is one movie that is difficult to forget; in 5 years, I still remember the film and the affect that it had on me. Unequivocally, this is an astonishing story full of laughable moments and yet, it still finds the time to break your heart. It chronicles the friendship that develops between Harry (Daniel Auteuil), a broken man who is recently divorced and he feels estranged from his children who live with their mother, and Georges (Pascal Duquenne), a boy with Down Syndrome who has escaped from the Mental Institution that had seized him and his individuality. When Harry meets Georges, he tries to get rid of him just like everyone else always has, considering the way he looks and the way his mind works. But, Georges is just what Harry has always needed. He helps him cope with his divorce and he helps him and his children salvage the relationship they had before the separation, he aides in Harry's accomplishments in his career, and, above all else, he makes Harry a much more joyful man than he ever was. This is an intelligently shot film with lovely scenery and a story so aware of what a true friendship really means. I can't begin to express how much I love this film and I definitely can't put into words how much I would recommend this movie to anyone, because I feel that this is something each and every person should see. I give this movie 10 stars. 2/26/09

What did you think about this review?

Thank you for voting.

Like Dislike

Abuse report sent

Report abuse