After "Rain Man" and "Forrest Gump" the time has come for "The Eighth Day", a Belgian film about the accidental (was it?) and unusual friendship of a young man with Down's syndrome and a successful salesman who allowed his career to ruin his life. A touching drama with lots of humor, which, with its story, message and excellent acting, parries the aforementioned masterpieces, but, unfortunately, it's not filmed that well. The main roles are played by Pascal Duquenne, a Belgian theater actor with Down's syndrome, and French actor Daniel Auteuil. They shared the Best Actor Award at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival for their roles in this film, which is a unique case in the history of the festival. If you have let a tear while watching "Rain Man" and "Forrest Gump", for this film you should prepare the whole package of handkerchiefs, because this is one of those movies with which you never get tired of crying. The first time I watched it about twenty years ago, this was my third or fourth viewing, and surely I will repeat it few more times.
8/10
8/10