Cinema Society

THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE

Average
Rating

4.8

Tuesday, April 14, 2009, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Invited Guest: Benoit Pilon, Director

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

7:00PM: Cinema Chat with Andy (Auditorium 4)

7:10PM: Introduction (Auditorium 4)

7:20PM: Introduction (Auditorium 5)

7:30PM: THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Short List, 2008 Academy Award, Best Foreign Language Film

Canadian Oscar® Submission

THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE (Ce qu'il faut pour vivre)

In 1952, an Inuit hunter named Tivii (Natar Ungalaaq, ATANARJUAT; THE FAST RUNNER), stricken with tuberculosis, leaves his northern home and family to recuperate in a sanitarium near Quebec City. Uprooted, far from his land and his loved ones, unable to speak French and faced with a completely alien world, Tivii becomes despondent. He refuses to eat and expresses a wish to die. He finds his fading will to live suddenly reinvigorated after his nurse, Carole (Éveline Gélinas), arranges for another young Inuit to be transferred to the same hospital. The boy, an orphan named Kaki (Paul-André Brasseur), is also sick, but he has experience with both worlds and over time he manages to help Tivii grow more comfortable with his surroundings. In exchange for Kaki's kindness, Tivii educates his newfound friend about the ways of the land and the Inuit people. By sharing his culture with Kaki and opening it up to others, Tivii rediscovers his pride and energy. Ultimately he also rediscovers hope through a plan to adopt Kaki, bring him home and make him part of his family. An IFC Film Release. Directed by Benoit Pilon.

Running Time: 103 Minutes Not Rated

PLEASE NOTE: THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE IS IN FRENCH AND INUKTITUT WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES

Send a Comment

24-Apr-09: Kathy Dunn - Rating: 5

I loved this film! I have read a lot about the Inuit/Inak culture in the past, and saw the lead actor in "The Fast Runner" (which you should see if you have not seen it yet), so it was a joy to see him in another role. He definately is a "natural" gifted actor, and even if we had not had the subtitles much of what he was saying you could glean from his face. I thought the recreation of the 1950s in this film was also well done without making it campy. This film is in my personal top 5 for the past year. Thanks for sharing this with us, Andy.

17-Apr-09: Trish Ashe - Rating: 5

A deeply moving experience; understated, rich in nuance, and sublimely cuts to the core of our very existence and purpose on earth. How lucky for us. Thank you, Andy. Thank you Benoit. Refreshing to meet an artist who realizes that the tree laden with the most fruit, bends heaviest to the ground.

17-Apr-09: M.Roe - Rating: 5

What a most enjoyable movie. It is so moving thanks to the beautiful acting by Natar Ungalaaq (Tivii) and how thoughtful and kind the nurse was to "fight" for the little boy to come under their care knowing the help/peace that it would bring Tivii. Oh how I wish this film was out in theaters because I would recommend it to all who would listen.

15-Apr-09: pb - Rating: 5

What a wonderful film....it had everything: great acting, beautiful cinematography, drama, humor....Thank you for persevering to get this one for us!

15-Apr-09: jh - Rating: 5

There are so many things you can take away from this wonderful film. One of the least expected joys is its rich humor. You can have all your Seth Rogen movies; give me that one spaghetti scene.

15-Apr-09: EBee - Rating: 5

my first "official" 5 of the season. What an amazing movie. Gentle and moving without being manipulative. Would recommend this to anyone. Wish I could own it. Thanks Andy!

15-Apr-09: JFY - Rating: 4

Another winner, this has to be the best season for the Cinema Society in many years. Perfect mix of humor and drama, without being too manipulative of its tearjerking effects. Great cast, including Ungalaaq and Eveline Gelinas (way to let that hint of a love story go just far enough and no further), as well as others. Of course amazing views of Northern Canada as would be expected from Mr. Pilon. Hoping that this film can get wider release, it deserves to be seen.