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Movie Info & Details
Release Year2008
Runtime1h 42m
LanguageFrench
CertificationNR
GenresDrama
Votes17
DirectorBenoît Pilon
WritersBernard Émond
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.5 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsThe Necessities of Life
About The Necessities of Life
In 1952, an Inuit hunter named Tivii with tuberculosis leaves his northern home and family to go recuperate at a sanatorium in Quebec City. Uprooted, far from his loved ones, unable to speak French and faced with a completely alien world, he becomes despondent. When he refuses to eat and expresses a wish to die, his nurse, Carole, comes to the realization that Tivii's illness is not the most serious threat to his well-being. She arranges to have a young orphan, Kaki, transferred to the institution. The boy is also sick, but has experience with both worlds and speaks both languages. 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
Directed by Benoît Pilon, The Necessities of Life leans on a strong ensemble — Natar Ungalaaq, Éveline Gélinas, Paul-André Brasseur — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2008.
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