The Eighth Day
The Eighth Day ★★½ Le Huitieme Jour 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. 108m/C VHS . FR BE Daniel Auteuil, Pascal Duquenne, Miou-Miou, Henri Garcin, Fabienne Loriaux, Isabelle Sadoyan, Helene Roussel, Michele Maes; D: Jaco Van Dormael; W: Jaco Van Dormael; C: Walther Vanden Ende; M: Pierre Van Dormael. Cannes '96: Actor (Auteuil), Actor (Duquenne).