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

I watches this movie not expecting much. Actually I thought that it would be depressing, maybe boring, maybe both. But from the first minute it's really good and keeps it up throughout. You feel a real empathy with the characters, the acting is excellent, the story is excellent as well. I think it is more of an experience than a movie, it really feels like you have lived something unique and became a little bit more human and aware of the beauty and fragility of life by the end. As a criticism, there were a few moments when it seemed overly optimistic to the point of being a little bit unrealistic, but this did not ruin the film for me. I think it's one of the most positive movies I have ever seen, very funny and deep at the same time. I don't remember what part I started crying on, but I was laughing so hard that I ended up crying, and then I cried because it was sad... A genuine emotional reaction. i think this is my new favorite movie and i will recommend it to everyone.

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.

My all-time favorite movie! I have seen many movies, but this one beats them all! Excelent acting, wonderful story. You will, as a "normal" caring person start to love George. Altough he is an actor, he is also himself and a very lovable person. And maby most important thing: you will learn to respect & look different to people with Down Syndrome.