Santonix Lee I have not watched many French-language films in my lifetime, but The Eighth Day and Amelie are way up there on my list of favourite movies. Perhaps it's just overexposure to the monolithic crap Hollywood mass produces today, but these films have an atmosphere that are like a breath of fresh air. Even with (or perhaps because of) little to no special effects to bedazzle you, you are immersed before you know it. The spontaneity and sheer oddness of some of the scenes add to the charm of the film, as does the tumultuous and unlikely friendship between a workaholic and a man with Down's syndrome. The Eighth Day gives you something to reflect on, a pause from the fast paced lifestyles we are caught up in today.

per_jaderbrink The number of times I've had tears in my eyes when watching a movie are few. And there is only one time when I have really cried and that was when I saw this movie. This movie has some kliches but I really don't care. I cry even as I write this and it was quite some time since I saw it. It is perfectly acted and all the production values are good, but what really matters is the simple and wonderful message. We all know it in our hearts, but it is not always easy to remember that the only thing that really matters in life is LOVE in all it's forms. It's only when we love that we're truly alive. I know how sentimental I sound and I promise I'm not usually like that. I'm quite a cynic. This movie has brought out stronger feelings of both sorrow and happiness in me than any other movies and it will probably always be the first movie I recommend others to see.

jmvcrit56 Though the plot elements to "The Eighth Day" seem like they have been done plenty of times, the film still has much of the spark, mystery, and symbolism that Jaco Van Dormal's first film had. Though not as good as "Toto the Hero", which will always remain on my favorites list, the movie still leaves us with lots of emotions. Daniel Auteil, from 2001's flavorless "The Closet" downplays his part, afraid to overact (rightfully so, the role could have easily been ruined if the actor was overly dramatic). However, I felt the part needed a bit more realism to it, focusing more on the character itself instead of simply the character's growth.Don't walk into this movie expecting the dark humor and unexpected twists that you got from "Toto the Hero" because you will be disappointed. However, the film still serves as a decent, if not flawed, movie

new_techer The eighth day, what was it like? Simple, sweet and slightly moralistic, as it turns out. That was when God made George, and endowed him with an extra chromosome, be it by chance or divine experiment. But when God looked at George, he saw it was for the good. And so will you.The plot is simple. Harry (Daniel Auteuil), a stressed-out salesman instructor, is losing grip on the disintegrating fabric of his personal and professional life, when he accidentally meets George (Pascal Duquenne), a stray escapee from a mental institution. George suffers from the Down syndrome, but is adorably adept at enjoying the simple things in life. The only thing he misses is his family. And on the day George eventually goes out to try to find it, he is almost run over by the recklessly driving Harry. Against the odds, the two become friends and set out on a journey to find the missing links of their lives.Not very original, you might say. True enough, comparisons to `Rainman' and `Falling Down' keep coming to mind throughout the movie, with Daniel Auteuil sometimes looking so much like Michael Douglas. But despite these `borrowings' and pervasive overtones of political correctness, the authors of the movie manage to deliver many moments of genuine humor and sweetness in the film. The acting is commendable too, honored by two acting awards of the Cannes Festival in 1996.Eventually, the film prevails over its imperfections, much like George is left unhindered by his own handicap. After all, don't we all sometimes just yield to the magic of the simple things in life? Even if it is only in defiance of life's other, tragic circumstances.