Last night I watched Denys Arcand’s Oscar-winning followup to Decline Of The American Empire, The Barbarian Invasions (rotten tomatoes | imdb). What a film. At once a critique of the Canadian (and, specifically, Quebecois) health care system, an examination of American reaction to 9/11, a plea for the right to end one’s own life, and a question of our own ability to evade the fate toward which our parents steer us. On top of all this it’s funny, sarcastic, sardonic, smart, and touching.

Even if you haven’t seen Decline, you should watch Barbarian Invasions. Actually, screw it. Watch both. Doesn’t matter which order.