The Eighth Day

(1996)Directed by Jaco Van Dormael118 minDrama
What a difference a day makes…

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.

Pascal Duquenneas Georges
Miou-Miouas Julie
Henri Garcinas Bank manager
Isabelle Sadoyanas Georges' Mother
Fabienne Loriauxas Fabienne, Georges's sister
Juliette Van Dormaelas Juliette
Sabrina Leurquinas Snack waitress
Michele Maesas Nathalie
Marie-Pierre Meinzelas Shoe store saleswoman
Laszlo Harmatias Luis Mariano
Dominique Lecatas Band Member
Roland De Pauwas TV Chef
Jo De Backeras Bridegroom
André Simonas Tramp
Monique Florinas Nathalie's mother
Jean Bolleryas Nathalie's father
Dominic Gouldas Harry's colleague
Josse De Pauwas Policeman of police station