Both Bronwen and I loved this 2003 look at characters we first saw in 1987. I didn’t like the first one that much, quite frankly, all talk and no content. Sex was there but never there. This one is much better. The leftist Remy, a failed teacher, lothario, and non-publishing American historian (yikes!) is dying in post 9/11 Montreal (re: the title, as well as references to other elements of cross border invasions), and his ex-wife (she left him because of his playing around), old friends, and the kids he’s alienated (his millionaire math wiz broker son and sailor daughter) come in person or virtually to share his last days. The hospital scenes are horrifying about the failure of Canadian health care. The leftist filmmaker is frank in his critique. I’m sure there are many comparable horror shows in the US. Anyway, the language is a joy, the culture is remarkable, and I shed more than my share of tears over this one. The scene where the students come to say goodbye is priceless and tore my heart out. I must admit I really, really appreciated this film. “Do not go gentle into that good night, rave, rave against the dying of the light”. It’s a film that makes you truly long for friends who you can discuss anything with. America is such a repressed place. I crave those friendships once again. I had them in grad school. It’s also a film that allows you to recall those days of free love that were never free. What you lost and never knew you were losing. I suggest people see it on DVD and watch the special track that involves the cast musing much as their characters did. It’s a pleasure (and very humbling) to watch both such a smart film and such smart people. That left me feeling sad about being so dumb myself and envious of their wit and openness, but also happy to have seen the film. See this one