Reviews (6)

dom.
i mainly liked the dominatrix chic , she was cool and cute and yum, enough said.....enjoy the beating men..

Depth of character missing
Unfortunately, nothing too profound in this movie of alienation and randy encounters. Characters are mildly intriguing to watch as they wander somewhat aimlessly through their lives. Story projects these people as alienated from one another, themselves, their jobs, "normal" life. . . everything. Gibson is a talented beauty, likeable, you want him to find whatever it is he's looking for, but you'll grow frustrated by his directionlessness. From whence does it stem? His long-time buddy is gorgeous, suited or unsuited (was that his nice naked rear that flashed away all too quickly? MORE PLEASE.), but the lost soul he plays is even harder to appreciate because, again, there's no compelling reason for him to be the way he is. Meaning and love don't ever just come handed to you on a plate, foks, but that's what the characters in this movie seem to expect. And not having found them, they do (fill in the blank) stupid/dangerous/contradictory/psychotic things that don't bring them any closer to meaning or love. This moderately sexually charged movie is a good one to use to contemplate life alone or with a loved one, but life shouldn't be, AND ISN'T, as answerless and arbitrary as all this.

Absolutely GREAT !
Wow, I just watched this movie and I think I'm starting it again right now. One of the best movies I saw ever ! Great cast, exiting thrilling story. I can recommend this one over and over ! Find out yourself and you'll agree !

Great cast
I enjoyed this move. Watched it over and ove

Charming and enchanting, the best movie I've ever seen!
Like I've said before, the best movie ever! I can't describe this original and exquisite movie with mere words. You've got to watch it. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Moving story of Jesus's message in a modern reincarnation...
« Jésus de Montréal » was a stunning, thought-provoking film by Montréalais director Denys Arcand. The strong ensemble cast includes Lothaire Bluteau ("Le confessional," "La robe noire") and Robert Lepage (famous Québec playwright, author of "Nô," and "The Seven Streams of the River Ota"). The story revolves around a series of actors: Constance (who works in a soup kitchen, plays Mary Magdalene and sleeps with the priest), Mireille (a sexy young actress whose sole talent, according to her ex, is in her backside), Martin and Réné, actors who dub porno films in French, and Daniel (Bluteau), a fragile young actor enlisted to play Jesus in a popular passion play. Bluteau is frail and androgynous to a certain degree, lending him an angelic quality. He is extremely soft-spoken and I often had to turn the volume up to hear him. His voice was barely above a whisper in many of the passion play scenes and near the end.

Daniel does extensive research into the life and times of Jesus, taking into account new archaeological findings. Instead of merely "updating" the passion play he, along with his fellow actors, rewrites it. Jesus is the son of a Roman soldier in the play, the crucifixion is performed accurately (naked, with the torso twisted to the side), and the Catholic priests are upset and demand an end to the passion play on the mount. Martin works in his Hamlet soliloquy "To sleep...perchance to dream..." in a scene that is strangely powerful as the resurrected Jesus comes to the disciples.

The normally mild mannered Daniel rebels at the treatment Mireille receives at an audition, and mirroring Jesus' disruption of the moneylenders in the temple in Matthew 21:12 ("And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of he money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves.") Daniel becomes irrational when the casting director (Mireille's ex-boyfriend) tells her to strip. Daniel orders her to refuse, then, flying into a rage knocks over tables, smashes cameras and monitors and causes thousands of dollars worth of damage. His life begins to mirror that of Jesus.

Lothaire Bluteau was the only choice for the role of Daniel/ Jesus. He becomes so involved in all of his roles that he walks a dangerous line. Robert Lepage says that he embodies and expresses emotional pain better than any actor in the world. Lothaire Bluteau says of himself that he still is struggling to learn to live with the searing pain he feels for real. According to a recent interview, "In person, the theatrical, charismatic, deeply analytical and cathartic Bluteau wears many emotional scars beneath his pale and skeletal physical armour. His immersion into the characters that have inhabited not only his physical being, but his emotional thoughts and each waking moment are the very extension of himself into some intangible realms. He readily admits that these fictional characters are always awaiting his presence to fill them and breathe life into their troubled existences." Ask Bluteau if he finds it difficult to achieve a separation point between the characters her portrays and himself and he frowns: "Sometimes I think I'm getting better at not drowning in the emotional sadness and the fear I have when I start working on a film or play. When you are enriched by your characters life, you do tend to share a lot of things together. They will call upon your emotions and leave you with souvenirs and old scars, that you manage to survive from. The character wants to borrow that pain, and of course there is a transformation and collar of sadness that you are attached to." So he is ultimately believable as a modern-day Jesus, preaching to the crowds at a Montréal subway station, chasing the "money lenders" out of the studio, and finally sacrificing his life so that others may live through him. The final scenes are unspeakably powerful as Daniel's message lives on.

There are moments of humour as well, irreverence towards Catholic doctrine and its unwillingness to change. When the priest informs them that they have to revert to the original script, Martin, Réné, Constance and Mireille begin an absurdly funny ad-lib update of the passion play. First Constance recites a line and makes it sound like a line from a porno dub, then Mireille turns it into une comédie française, Martin tries New York method acting, Réné vulgar joual, and Martin and Réné do a Kabuki version that had me in tears. It was the funniest thing I had seen in years. There are similar lighthearted moments between the actors/friends, but much of the story has a sombre tone.

The cinematography is spectacular, with enticing shots of Montréal at work and at play. The nighttime scenes are particularly effective, as are the passion play scenes. The music is sparse but haunting: an aria from Pergolesi's Stabat Mater that is sung at the end over the credits, and during the passion play we hear haunting music from Le mystère des voix bulgares. There is some nudity, although it is not sexual. There is a lot of offensive language, especially during the improv passion play, and during the porno dubbing scene (which is hilarious in a sad way). This is not a film for those who are devoutly religious or easily offended. The film is subtitled in English (with French subtitles over the English dialogue).

« Jésus de Montréal » explores the story of Jesus, updates it, gives it a fresh young face in the form of Daniel. What would happen if Jesus reappeared in the world today? Denys Arcand explores this through multiple Biblical parallels and imagery and a stellar supporting cast, also using the film as a vehicle to express his distaste of the all-consuming media and material greed. We see the transformation of a group of ordinary actors into Biblical beings who are profoundly changed by Daniel's/Jesus's presence in their lives. This film will leave you thinking for hours afterwards.

a gem that will move you and make you think..
Of all the depictions on film of the crucifixion of Christ, I find this one the most harrowing...it's wrenching as well as uplifting, and the always wonderful Lothaire Bluteau is extraordinary as Jesus in the passion play, and as the actor who won't compromise his art for commercial success, and starts to acquire aspects of Jesus' character into his own.

On a lighter note, the "hot" dubbing scene early in the film is hilarious, and there are many other extremely humorous parts. The talented ensemble cast is superb, as good in the comedy as in the drama.

Perhaps this is not a film for those with strict beliefs, but if you can accept diverse views, it will move you on many different levels.

Thanks for the warning!
Thanks for the warnings, everyone! I'm taking this off my wish-list. I liked this movie (saw an old taped version off TV once) but only know a little French. Certainly not enough to follow the film without subtitles. That's too bad because I was looking forward to seeing the movie again.

My favorite film
Jesus of Montreal is an allegory in which a troupe of actors experience the life of Jesus of Nazareth as they strive to rework a passion play to make it more contemporary and "relevant." I first saw the film in 1990, and it touched me deeply, challenging me to reconsider my understanding of Christian faith. Great art strikes home, and no other film has given me such cause to ponder. It remains my favorite film.

BEWARE, however, because as other reviewers have warned, the DVD edition Amazon sells provides no English subtitles for the French dialog. My copy arrived in the mail today, and I am returning it to Amazon unopened. I should have paid more attention to what the other reviewers wrote.

It appears that an edition with English subtitles has been released in Europe and Australia, but it is in PALS format and not compatible with Region 1 (NTSC) DVD players. Such a disappointment, as my French is just not adequate to the task without some support from the subtitles.

SHAME!
Shame on the producers of this DVD for not including English subtitles. Shame on Amazon.com for not drawing our attention to this. UNLESS YOU ARE FLUENT IN FRENCH, DO NOT BUY THIS DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Moving story of Jesus's message in a modern reincarnation...
« Jésus de Montréal » was a stunning, thought-provoking film by Montréalais director Denys Arcand. The strong ensemble cast includes Lothaire Bluteau ("Le confessional," "La robe noire") and Robert Lepage (famous Québec playwright, author of "Nô," and "The Seven Streams of the River Ota"). The story revolves around a series of actors: Constance (who works in a soup kitchen, plays Mary Magdalene and sleeps with the priest), Mireille (a sexy young actress whose sole talent, according to her ex, is in her backside), Martin and Réné, actors who dub porno films in French, and Daniel (Bluteau), a fragile young actor enlisted to play Jesus in a popular passion play. Bluteau is frail and androgynous to a certain degree, lending him an angelic quality. He is extremely soft-spoken and I often had to turn the volume up to hear him. His voice was barely above a whisper in many of the passion play scenes and near the end.

Daniel does extensive research into the life and times of Jesus, taking into account new archaeological findings. Instead of merely "updating" the passion play he, along with his fellow actors, rewrites it. Jesus is the son of a Roman soldier in the play, the crucifixion is performed accurately (naked, with the torso twisted to the side), and the Catholic priests are upset and demand an end to the passion play on the mount. Martin works in his Hamlet soliloquy "To sleep...perchance to dream..." in a scene that is strangely powerful as the resurrected Jesus comes to the disciples.

The normally mild mannered Daniel rebels at the treatment Mireille receives at an audition, and mirroring Jesus' disruption of the moneylenders in the temple in Matthew 21:12 ("And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of he money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves.") Daniel becomes irrational when the casting director (Mireille's ex-boyfriend) tells her to strip. Daniel orders her to refuse, then, flying into a rage knocks over tables, smashes cameras and monitors and causes thousands of dollars worth of damage. His life begins to mirror that of Jesus.

Lothaire Bluteau was the only choice for the role of Daniel/ Jesus. He becomes so involved in all of his roles that he walks a dangerous line. Robert Lepage says that he embodies and expresses emotional pain better than any actor in the world. Lothaire Bluteau says of himself that he still is struggling to learn to live with the searing pain he feels for real. According to a recent interview, "In person, the theatrical, charismatic, deeply analytical and cathartic Bluteau wears many emotional scars beneath his pale and skeletal physical armour. His immersion into the characters that have inhabited not only his physical being, but his emotional thoughts and each waking moment are the very extension of himself into some intangible realms. He readily admits that these fictional characters are always awaiting his presence to fill them and breathe life into their troubled existences." Ask Bluteau if he finds it difficult to achieve a separation point between the characters her portrays and himself and he frowns: "Sometimes I think I'm getting better at not drowning in the emotional sadness and the fear I have when I start working on a film or play. When you are enriched by your characters life, you do tend to share a lot of things together. They will call upon your emotions and leave you with souvenirs and old scars, that you manage to survive from. The character wants to borrow that pain, and of course there is a transformation and collar of sadness that you are attached to." So he is ultimately believable as a modern-day Jesus, preaching to the crowds at a Montréal subway station, chasing the "money lenders" out of the studio, and finally sacrificing his life so that others may live through him. The final scenes are unspeakably powerful as Daniel's message lives on.

There are moments of humour as well, irreverence towards Catholic doctrine and its unwillingness to change. When the priest informs them that they have to revert to the original script, Martin, Réné, Constance and Mireille begin an absurdly funny ad-lib update of the passion play. First Constance recites a line and makes it sound like a line from a porno dub, then Mireille turns it into une comédie française, Martin tries New York method acting, Réné vulgar joual, and Martin and Réné do a Kabuki version that had me in tears. It was the funniest thing I had seen in years. There are similar lighthearted moments between the actors/friends, but much of the story has a sombre tone.

The cinematography is spectacular, with enticing shots of Montréal at work and at play. The nighttime scenes are particularly effective, as are the passion play scenes. The music is sparse but haunting: an aria from Pergolesi's Stabat Mater that is sung at the end over the credits, and during the passion play we hear haunting music from Le mystère des voix bulgares. There is some nudity, although it is not sexual. There is a lot of offensive language, especially during the improv passion play, and during the porno dubbing scene (which is hilarious in a sad way). This is not a film for those who are devoutly religious or easily offended. The film is subtitled in English (with French subtitles over the English dialogue).

« Jésus de Montréal » explores the story of Jesus, updates it, gives it a fresh young face in the form of Daniel. What would happen if Jesus reappeared in the world today? Denys Arcand explores this through multiple Biblical parallels and imagery and a stellar supporting cast, also using the film as a vehicle to express his distaste of the all-consuming media and material greed. We see the transformation of a group of ordinary actors into Biblical beings who are profoundly changed by Daniel's/Jesus's presence in their lives. This film will leave you thinking for hours afterwards.

a gem that will move you and make you think..
Of all the depictions on film of the crucifixion of Christ, I find this one the most harrowing...it's wrenching as well as uplifting, and the always wonderful Lothaire Bluteau is extraordinary as Jesus in the passion play, and as the actor who won't compromise his art for commercial success, and starts to acquire aspects of Jesus' character into his own.

On a lighter note, the "hot" dubbing scene early in the film is hilarious, and there are many other extremely humorous parts. The talented ensemble cast is superb, as good in the comedy as in the drama.

Perhaps this is not a film for those with strict beliefs, but if you can accept diverse views, it will move you on many different levels.

Thanks for the warning!
Thanks for the warnings, everyone! I'm taking this off my wish-list. I liked this movie (saw an old taped version off TV once) but only know a little French. Certainly not enough to follow the film without subtitles. That's too bad because I was looking forward to seeing the movie again.

My favorite film
Jesus of Montreal is an allegory in which a troupe of actors experience the life of Jesus of Nazareth as they strive to rework a passion play to make it more contemporary and "relevant." I first saw the film in 1990, and it touched me deeply, challenging me to reconsider my understanding of Christian faith. Great art strikes home, and no other film has given me such cause to ponder. It remains my favorite film.

BEWARE, however, because as other reviewers have warned, the DVD edition Amazon sells provides no English subtitles for the French dialog. My copy arrived in the mail today, and I am returning it to Amazon unopened. I should have paid more attention to what the other reviewers wrote.

It appears that an edition with English subtitles has been released in Europe and Australia, but it is in PALS format and not compatible with Region 1 (NTSC) DVD players. Such a disappointment, as my French is just not adequate to the task without some support from the subtitles.

SHAME!
Shame on the producers of this DVD for not including English subtitles. Shame on Amazon.com for not drawing our attention to this. UNLESS YOU ARE FLUENT IN FRENCH, DO NOT BUY THIS DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

As Satisfying a Film as Ever Made - Revised Review!
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a miracle movie. As conceived and directed by Denys Arcand this film is a brilliantly entertaining story, full of hilarious dialogue and situations, full of intellectual stimulation, brilliant metaphors and similes, full of probing philosophy, while standing as the finest examination of our society as it stands at the moment. The beauty of the film is that for all of the intellectual wealth it contains, it never bogs down with cerebral weightiness. The mood is consistently entertaining: the infinite messages contained are left as after burn.
Remy (and indelible characterization by Remy Girard) has lived a life of sexual freedom, intellectual pursuits (he is a Professor of History and defender of free thinking), and seems to have placed his family and wife in the periphery. Suddenly faced with a diagnosis of a rampantly aggressive and untreatable cancer, he rages against the world that no longer holds his tenets of civilization dear: he faces death having no legacy to leave the world he entered. His ex-wife notifies his worldly and wealthy Baby-Boomer generation son in his important office in London to return home, despite the fact that the son sees little point in rushing back to the father who was never a father to him. The son Sebastien (in a sophisticated, engrossing performance by Stephane Rousseau) flies to Montreal and, in his manner of control, takes over, planning the care of this 'shameful father' in a manner that allows him to provide the best amenities while putting more emotional distance from his father. Money talks, and after Sebastien drives him to the USA for the best of scans and opinions only to hear that Remy will not follow-up by entering a US Medical Center, Remy is moved to a deserted floor of the hospital (grandly redecorated and staffed by Sebastien's conniving way with money bribes). Sebastien gathers the wildest assortment of Remy's friends, mistresses, and political/intellectual oddballs and gives Remy everything he could ask for - even satellite conversation with Remy's yachting-on-the-seas daughter. When the disease advances and the accompanying pain encroaches, Sebastien even arranges for heroin by coercing the addicted daughter of one of Remy's mistresses to supply the need. Eventually as the situation changes, Sebastien arranges for the entire entourage to move to a beautiful house by a lake outside Montreal and there the group eats, drinks, philosophizes, and entertains their old friend. At this point Sebastien and Remy are alone with their personal histories and disappointments and regrets and it is the playing out of how this is resolved that is the utter magic of this magnificent film. Though the ending of the film is implied from the outset, to spoil the final moments by revealing the actual moments of the story would be a disservice to the viewer
An added attraction on the DVD (in French and English with subtitles) is a filmed dinner with the entire cast (and to a person, this is a cast of gifted, virtuosic actors), discussing the movies, their characters, and more importantly looking at the Montreal that was the dream of the future when all of these actors were young and idealistic and now faces a stagnation and void that each sees as a threat to the future. These are articulate actors and their words and thoughts are intensely sensitive and informative. This added feature adds yet more depth in accompaniment to the film. THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a film to purchase for your private collection, a film to return to often as a reminder that living our lives as individual sanctities is the only way we will be able to maintain 'civilization' in this era of instant gratification and disregard for the past. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON EVERY LEVEL!

A Film of Beauty and Intellectual Wealth
THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a miracle movie. As conceived and directed by Denys Arcand this film is a brilliantly entertaining story, full of hilarious dialogue and situations, full of intellectual stimulation, brilliant metaphors and similes, full of probing philosophy, while standing as the finest examination of our society as it stands at the moment. The beauty of the film is that for all of the intellectual wealth it contains, it never bogs down with cerebral weightiness. The mood is consistently entertaining: the infinite messages contained are left as after burn.
Remy (and indelible characterization by Remy Girard) has lived a life of sexual freedom, intellectual pursuits (he is a Professor of History and defender of free thinking), and seems to have placed his family and wife in the periphery. Suddenly faced with a diagnosis of a rampantly aggressive and untreatable cancer, he rages against the world that no longer holds his tenets of civilization dear: he faces his mortality convinved he has no legacy to leave the world he entered. His ex-wife notifies his worldly and wealthy Baby-Boomer generation son in his important office in London to return home, despite the fact that the son sees little point in rushing back to the father who was never a father to him. The son Sebastien (in a sophisticated, engrossing performance by Stephane Rousseau) flies to Montreal and, in his manner of control, takes over, planning the care of this 'shameful father' in a manner that allows him to provide the best amenities while putting more emotional distance from his father. Money talks, and after Sebastien drives him to the USA for the best of scans and opinions only to hear that Remy will not follow-up by entering a US Medical Center, Remy is moved to a deserted floor of the hospital (grandly redecorated and staffed by Sebastien's conniving way with money bribes). Sebastien gathers the wildest assortment of Remy's friends, mistresses, and political/intellectual oddballs and gives Remy everything he could ask for - even satellite conversation with Remy's yachting-on-the-seas daughter. When his disease advances and the accompanying pain encroaches, Sebastien even arranges for heroin by coercing the addicted daughter of one of Remy's mistresses to supply the need. Eventually as the situation changes, Sebastien arranges for the entire entourage to move to a beautiful house by a lake outside Montreal and there the group eats, drinks, philosophizes, and entertains their old friend. At this point Sebastien and Remy are alone with their personal histories and disappointments and regrets and it is this exploration of how these two disparate souls find each other that the utter magic of this magnificent film. Though the ending of the film is implied from the outset, to spoil the final moments by revealing the actual details of the story would be a disservice to the viewer
An added attraction on the DVD (in French and English with subtitles) is a filmed dinner with the entire cast (and to a person, this is a cast of gifted, virtuosic actors), discussing the movies, their characters, and more importantly looking at the Montreal that was the dream of the future when all of these actors were young and idealistic and now faces a stagnation and void that each sees as a threat to the future. These are articulate actors and their words and thoughts are intensely sensitive and informative. This added feature adds yet more depth in accompaniment to the film. THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS is a film to purchase for your private collection, a film to return to often as a reminder that living our lives as individual sanctities is the only way we will be able to maintain 'civilization' in this era of instant gratification and disregard for the past. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ON EVERY LEVEL!

outstanding
The best movie I have seen in years!!

Can anyone help me learn the name of the final song?

Gets better as it goes on
Barbarian is a movie that gets better as the minutes pass. It's about making the most of your time alive. It's a movie of humanity, that'll make you laugh and leave a tear in your eyes. An enjoyable movie in the end.

Great movie--TERRIBLE print!
The DVD pictured above is to be avoided at all costs! The background and characters are frequently light green; it claims to be "widescreen," but it filled my entire screen, and the film was distored, with elogated people, etc. There are 3 (three!) previews before the film starts! --oh yes, the first time I watched this Buena Vista release, it hicchoughed several times; the second time it didn't.

The subtitles are very readable; the soundtrack is excellent (and should be listenable to those who really speak French).

If I cannot find another print of this movie--which I saw many times in the theater, I will be left with a beautiful memory! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Take a look at ourselves!
I don't get the world of fashion. It all seems like ridiculous clothes that no one would wear or could afford. Yet it generates millions of dollars a year.
But the makers of Stardom do know enough to make you laugh. This movie is terrific. It's as artsy and pretentious as the people it makes fun of. for example, all the whole movie is seen as footage taken from other filmmakers and tv shows. It mercilessly pokes fun at models, designers, rich people, and fashion.
Overall its a excellent movie with a lot of inovation, good acting, and laughs.

Anything with Jessica Paré in it gets 5 Stars.
Because she is so hot! And smart too.

There's more to a model's life...if you just care to see
This masterpiece in disguise comes from the depths of the model industry, and seeps through the life of one model who was a former hockey star. She was discovered, and little did she know, she was going to be taken on a whirlwind of the fashion business. The main character is portrayed greatly by real life model Jessica Pare, she is taken into a world where the truth lies still and she's not exactly ready to handle it all. Instead she dives in headfirst and comes out with not only the aftermath of the business, but the scars that remains within her memories.

This great movie shows you how a model's life is like through the photographer's eyes. He captures intense and entertaining moments of this model's life and most of all, you should understand that this should be a big accomplish for this guy who is filming all of this. It is sort of like a documentary, and interview session mixed in with our views on everyday life for this model. It reminds me of Gia, which was also a movie that brought viewers on a journey through a model's life. Stardom is great to watch, it abandons you, alter your thoughts while you want what she has, but in the end, you should be happy with what you have. Stardom can be exhilarating, yet this movie leaves you an honest trace of what the business and money can do to you. Plus, it shows how many people in this world doesn't take models seriously, all they see is glitz and glamorous.

LIFE IN A GOLDFISH BOWL...
Deftly directed by Denys Arcand, this is an inventive, highly stylized film about an athletic and beautiful, teenage girl who plays hockey, Tina Menzhal, and her transition to international celebrity and super model. Her life is seen exclusively through the eyes of the various media. This is a fast paced, eclectic, imaginative, and innovative look at a young celebrity and her interactions with those around her, as well as her various romantic relationships. Tina's rise to stardom is shown through a number of media montages. The viewer sees her life progress through the eyes of a camera and the media, at all times, whether it be talk shows, newscasts, a cinema verite documentary, music videos, or fashion shoots. This is a totally engrossing film, as if the viewer were taking a naughty peak into the life of another. It is voyeurism at its best. At the same time, it is a biting, funny, and sad commentary on celebrity life.

Beautiful Jessica Pare, a real life model, is wonderful as Tina, bringing a certain wide-eyed naivete to the role. Dan Ackroyd is very good as the successful restauraneur who, during a midlife crisis, sacrifices his family and his business to be with Tina, only to find himself caught in an obsession that ends badly. Robert LePage is drolly funny as the cameraman who seeks to record every moment of Tina's life. Hunky Thomas Gibson is sensational as Tina's agent, a cooly cynical master of the universe. Frank Langella is terrific as a controlling and urbane diplomat with very set ideas about the role of a wife. The rest of the supporting cast is also excellent. The film alternates between a black and white and color picture, which adds to its overall quirkiness. This Canadian film deserves kudos!

Sympathy for the MTV Generation?
Having watched and enjoyed Jesus of M., I picked this up -despite- what looked like a rather cliched premise - I'm -very- glad that I did. While told in a fashion sure to appeal to ADD sufferers everywhere (...) this is a highly taut, biting inquisition on celebrity, sex and everything else irrelevant in life. This movie shows exactly how most people think about the entire modern media world.

Having a super-model playing a super-model works better than you (or do I mean I?) might think - and the supporting cast all turn in good to excellent performances. -very- worth a watch. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fun, uneven, choppy
"Decline of the American Empire" is a difficult movie to define, mainly because it straddles both European and New World cinematographic tendencies (i.e., ponderous and talky on the one hand, ponderous and talky about sex on the other). Briefly, it's the story of four or five friends who, with one exception, discover that their relationships are declining and disintegrating because they come to know more and more about themselves and their lovers. Is it supposed to be some complex metaphor that somehow ties back in to the movie's title? That's never really clarified or implied. But the diologue is fun (Quebecois French, English subtitles), and the characters aren't sympathetic enough to make you feel sorry for them, so enjoy this film as an offbeat comedy-drama-farce.

Witty snapshot of relationships among decadent academics
When I first saw this film I was a faculty member at a Canadian universty- the insights on society and relationships are hilarious and ring true.

A pithy, straight to the heart view of people and humanity.
One of the warmest, coolest and most bracing films I have seen. I cried with laughter and sadness and realisition at a film that is refreshingly bold about human weakness and strengths. Very funny, stirring, sad...true. SEE THIS FILM. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

dom.
i mainly liked the dominatrix chic , she was cool and cute and yum, enough said.....enjoy the beating men..

Depth of character missing
Unfortunately, nothing too profound in this movie of alienation and randy encounters. Characters are mildly intriguing to watch as they wander somewhat aimlessly through their lives. Story projects these people as alienated from one another, themselves, their jobs, "normal" life. . . everything. Gibson is a talented beauty, likeable, you want him to find whatever it is he's looking for, but you'll grow frustrated by his directionlessness. From whence does it stem? His long-time buddy is gorgeous, suited or unsuited (was that his nice naked rear that flashed away all too quickly? MORE PLEASE.), but the lost soul he plays is even harder to appreciate because, again, there's no compelling reason for him to be the way he is. Meaning and love don't ever just come handed to you on a plate, foks, but that's what the characters in this movie seem to expect. And not having found them, they do (fill in the blank) stupid/dangerous/contradictory/psychotic things that don't bring them any closer to meaning or love. This moderately sexually charged movie is a good one to use to contemplate life alone or with a loved one, but life shouldn't be, AND ISN'T, as answerless and arbitrary as all this.

Absolutely GREAT !
Wow, I just watched this movie and I think I'm starting it again right now. One of the best movies I saw ever ! Great cast, exiting thrilling story. I can recommend this one over and over ! Find out yourself and you'll agree !

Great cast
I enjoyed this move. Watched it over and ove

Charming and enchanting, the best movie I've ever seen!
Like I've said before, the best movie ever! I can't describe this original and exquisite movie with mere words. You've got to watch it. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Moving story of Jesus's message in a modern reincarnation...
« Jésus de Montréal » was a stunning, thought-provoking film by Montréalais director Denys Arcand. The strong ensemble cast includes Lothaire Bluteau ("Le confessional," "La robe noire") and Robert Lepage (famous Québec playwright, author of "Nô," and "The Seven Streams of the River Ota"). The story revolves around a series of actors: Constance (who works in a soup kitchen, plays Mary Magdalene and sleeps with the priest), Mireille (a sexy young actress whose sole talent, according to her ex, is in her backside), Martin and Réné, actors who dub porno films in French, and Daniel (Bluteau), a fragile young actor enlisted to play Jesus in a popular passion play. Bluteau is frail and androgynous to a certain degree, lending him an angelic quality. He is extremely soft-spoken and I often had to turn the volume up to hear him. His voice was barely above a whisper in many of the passion play scenes and near the end.

Daniel does extensive research into the life and times of Jesus, taking into account new archaeological findings. Instead of merely "updating" the passion play he, along with his fellow actors, rewrites it. Jesus is the son of a Roman soldier in the play, the crucifixion is performed accurately (naked, with the torso twisted to the side), and the Catholic priests are upset and demand an end to the passion play on the mount. Martin works in his Hamlet soliloquy "To sleep...perchance to dream..." in a scene that is strangely powerful as the resurrected Jesus comes to the disciples.

The normally mild mannered Daniel rebels at the treatment Mireille receives at an audition, and mirroring Jesus' disruption of the moneylenders in the temple in Matthew 21:12 ("And Jesus entered into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of he money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves.") Daniel becomes irrational when the casting director (Mireille's ex-boyfriend) tells her to strip. Daniel orders her to refuse, then, flying into a rage knocks over tables, smashes cameras and monitors and causes thousands of dollars worth of damage. His life begins to mirror that of Jesus.

Lothaire Bluteau was the only choice for the role of Daniel/ Jesus. He becomes so involved in all of his roles that he walks a dangerous line. Robert Lepage says that he embodies and expresses emotional pain better than any actor in the world. Lothaire Bluteau says of himself that he still is struggling to learn to live with the searing pain he feels for real. According to a recent interview, "In person, the theatrical, charismatic, deeply analytical and cathartic Bluteau wears many emotional scars beneath his pale and skeletal physical armour. His immersion into the characters that have inhabited not only his physical being, but his emotional thoughts and each waking moment are the very extension of himself into some intangible realms. He readily admits that these fictional characters are always awaiting his presence to fill them and breathe life into their troubled existences." Ask Bluteau if he finds it difficult to achieve a separation point between the characters her portrays and himself and he frowns: "Sometimes I think I'm getting better at not drowning in the emotional sadness and the fear I have when I start working on a film or play. When you are enriched by your characters life, you do tend to share a lot of things together. They will call upon your emotions and leave you with souvenirs and old scars, that you manage to survive from. The character wants to borrow that pain, and of course there is a transformation and collar of sadness that you are attached to." So he is ultimately believable as a modern-day Jesus, preaching to the crowds at a Montréal subway station, chasing the "money lenders" out of the studio, and finally sacrificing his life so that others may live through him. The final scenes are unspeakably powerful as Daniel's message lives on.

There are moments of humour as well, irreverence towards Catholic doctrine and its unwillingness to change. When the priest informs them that they have to revert to the original script, Martin, Réné, Constance and Mireille begin an absurdly funny ad-lib update of the passion play. First Constance recites a line and makes it sound like a line from a porno dub, then Mireille turns it into une comédie française, Martin tries New York method acting, Réné vulgar joual, and Martin and Réné do a Kabuki version that had me in tears. It was the funniest thing I had seen in years. There are similar lighthearted moments between the actors/friends, but much of the story has a sombre tone.

The cinematography is spectacular, with enticing shots of Montréal at work and at play. The nighttime scenes are particularly effective, as are the passion play scenes. The music is sparse but haunting: an aria from Pergolesi's Stabat Mater that is sung at the end over the credits, and during the passion play we hear haunting music from Le mystère des voix bulgares. There is some nudity, although it is not sexual. There is a lot of offensive language, especially during the improv passion play, and during the porno dubbing scene (which is hilarious in a sad way). This is not a film for those who are devoutly religious or easily offended. The film is subtitled in English (with French subtitles over the English dialogue).

« Jésus de Montréal » explores the story of Jesus, updates it, gives it a fresh young face in the form of Daniel. What would happen if Jesus reappeared in the world today? Denys Arcand explores this through multiple Biblical parallels and imagery and a stellar supporting cast, also using the film as a vehicle to express his distaste of the all-consuming media and material greed. We see the transformation of a group of ordinary actors into Biblical beings who are profoundly changed by Daniel's/Jesus's presence in their lives. This film will leave you thinking for hours afterwards.

a gem that will move you and make you think..
Of all the depictions on film of the crucifixion of Christ, I find this one the most harrowing...it's wrenching as well as uplifting, and the always wonderful Lothaire Bluteau is extraordinary as Jesus in the passion play, and as the actor who won't compromise his art for commercial success, and starts to acquire aspects of Jesus' character into his own.

On a lighter note, the "hot" dubbing scene early in the film is hilarious, and there are many other extremely humorous parts. The talented ensemble cast is superb, as good in the comedy as in the drama.

Perhaps this is not a film for those with strict beliefs, but if you can accept diverse views, it will move you on many different levels.

Thanks for the warning!
Thanks for the warnings, everyone! I'm taking this off my wish-list. I liked this movie (saw an old taped version off TV once) but only know a little French. Certainly not enough to follow the film without subtitles. That's too bad because I was looking forward to seeing the movie again.

My favorite film
Jesus of Montreal is an allegory in which a troupe of actors experience the life of Jesus of Nazareth as they strive to rework a passion play to make it more contemporary and "relevant." I first saw the film in 1990, and it touched me deeply, challenging me to reconsider my understanding of Christian faith. Great art strikes home, and no other film has given me such cause to ponder. It remains my favorite film.

BEWARE, however, because as other reviewers have warned, the DVD edition Amazon sells provides no English subtitles for the French dialog. My copy arrived in the mail today, and I am returning it to Amazon unopened. I should have paid more attention to what the other reviewers wrote.

It appears that an edition with English subtitles has been released in Europe and Australia, but it is in PALS format and not compatible with Region 1 (NTSC) DVD players. Such a disappointment, as my French is just not adequate to the task without some support from the subtitles.

SHAME!
Shame on the producers of this DVD for not including English subtitles. Shame on Amazon.com for not drawing our attention to this. UNLESS YOU ARE FLUENT IN FRENCH, DO NOT BUY THIS DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

"Serve," they do!
Another feature from the stable of 10% Productions (named so because it donates 10% of its profits to causes that protect First Amendment freedoms), "Volleyball" doesn't pretend to offer hardcore sex among its guys (if you want that, check out another site). It's nothing more than a group of nude guys playing volleyball, and the turn-on is an appreciation of the human body from something other than a carnal perspective. Sometimes a change from the hardcore stuff and blistering-hot literature is needed, and it helps to get refreshed by the simplicity of appreciating another man's body without getting carnal. "Volleyball" might be compared to another feature from 10% Productions, "Pools of Desire." Just as "Pools ..." featured nothing more than men swimming and bathing in a Budapest bathhouse, its beauty was its focus on the male nude without sexual exploitation, and "Volleyball" does likewise. All of us sometimes need a break from the hot and heavy, and "Volleyball" takes us away from all that while still making the yearning one for beauty and appreciation.

Naked Hunks!
"See what happens when a group of young, hot, naked hunks start a pick-up game of volleyball on the beach. Scorching sand, bouncing balls, heated passions - what a game." - Review from TLAVideo

cinematic euphoria
I was totally captivated by the genius of director Hugh Jass in this cinematic achievement of the highest magnitude. This is a must see for anyone who enjoys foreign dramas wth fat women's buttocks dancing around.

Don't even bother!
This video is an absolute waste of time. The music sounds like a cheap '70's porno film, and all there is are a bunch of guys playing volleyball in the nude, and that's it. There's nothing erotic about it. Don't even bother wasting your money on this video.

If you like naked men watch this one
The person who wrote "nubile" was way off. This is nothing but naked college guys playing volleyball. ... Read more