Belizaire the Cajun (1986)
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64% of critics liked it
(11 reviews) -
62% of users liked it
(495 ratings)
This inexpensive but effusively energetic film is set in Louisiana's Cajun country of the 19th century. Belizaire (Armand Assante), unofficial spokesman for his people, butts heads with local bigots who want to rid the area of Cajuns. Belizaire's former girlfriend (Gail Youngs) is now the… More This inexpensive but effusively energetic film is set in Louisiana's Cajun country of the 19th century. Belizaire (Armand Assante), unofficial spokesman for his people, butts heads with local bigots who want to rid the area of Cajuns. Belizaire's former girlfriend (Gail Youngs) is now the common-law wife of the film's main antagonist (Will Patton), the son of a wealthy landowner. When Patton is murdered, the locals try to pin the blame on the rabble-rousing Belizaire. He confesses, but only to save his cousin, who'd previously been targeted for lynching. All plot pieces fall into place on the day of Belizaire's scheduled execution. Although an American film, Belizaire the Cajun was unable to get US distribution until it was showered with praise at the Cannes Film Festival. Visually, the film is a banquet, but the multi-dialect soundtrack can be very difficult to follow at times. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Glen Pitre
- Written By
- Glen Pitre
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Mar 25, 2011 Limited
- On DVD
- Jun 1, 2004
- Studio
- Skouras Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Nina Darnton, New York Times
The film is plagued by too many long, dead moments in which the story doesn't seem to be getting anywhere and attention wanders.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Another ethnic group -- Cajuns, this time -- suffers the patronizing ministrations of the American Independent Cinema.
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Rita Kempley, Washington Post
It's billed as a romantic comedy, but Cajun humor, like crawfish gumbo, takes some getting used to.
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Paul Attanasio, Washington Post
This is an impressive debut film.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Belizaire has personality and quiet charm and a lot of affection, mixed in with the more predictable action elements.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Armand Assante
as Belizaire Breaux
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Gail Youngs
as Alida Thibodaux
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Michael Schoeffling
as Hypolite Leger
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Stephen McHattie
as James Willoughby
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Will Patton
as Matthew Perry
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Nancy Barrett
as Rebecca
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Loulan Pitre
as Sheriff
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Andre Delaunay
as Dolsin
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Jim Levert
as Amadee Meaux
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Ernie Vincent
as Old Perry
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Paul Landry
as Sosthene
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Allan L. Durand
as Priest
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Robert Duvall
as Preacher
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Michael Doucet
as Fiddler
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Steve Broussard
as Man at Gallows
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Bertrand de Blanc
as Man on Porch
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Bob Edmundson
as Head Vigilante
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Charlie Goulas
as Vigilante
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Lauren Greene
as Dancing Girl
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Dennis LeBlanc
as Father of Dancing Girl
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Ken Meaux
as Card Player
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Craig Soileau
as Card Player
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Robert Earl Willis
as Vigilante
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Robin Wood
as Vigilante
- Brett Ashy
