The Eighth Day (1996)

Kernel Score: 83% · 309 ratings · Rated NR

Genres: Drama

Released: 1996-05-22

Runtime: 118 minutes

Overview

Georges has Down syndrome, living at a mental-institution, Harry is a busy businessman, giving lectures for young aspiring salesmen. He is successful in his business life, but his social life is a disaster since his wife left him and took their two children with her. This weekend his children came by train to meet him, but Harry, working as always, forgot to pick them up. Neither his wife or his children want to see him again and he is driving around on the country roads, anguished and angry. He almost runs over Georges, on the run from the institution since everybody else went home with their parents except him, whose mother is dead. Harry tries to get rid of Georges but he won't leave his new friend. Eventually a special friendship forms between the two of them, a friendship which makes Harry a different person.

The Eighth Day parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that The Eighth Day is a drama about an unlikely friendship between a stressed businessman and a man with Down syndrome that transforms both their lives.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official NR rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Jaco Van Dormael

Cast

  • Daniel Auteuil as Harry
  • Pascal Duquenne as Georges
  • Miou-Miou as Julie
  • Henri Garcin as Bank manager
  • Isabelle Sadoyan as Georges' Mother
  • Fabienne Loriaux as Fabienne, Georges's sister
  • Juliette Van Dormael as Juliette
  • Sabrina Leurquin as Snack waitress
  • Dieudonné Kabongo as Dustman
  • Michele Maes as Nathalie

The Eighth Day FAQ

Is The Eighth Day good?

The Eighth Day has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 309 audience ratings.

Is The Eighth Day OK for kids?

The Eighth Day is rated NR. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Eighth Day is a drama about an unlikely friendship between a stressed businessman and a man with Down syndrome that transforms both their lives.