Belizaire the Cajun (1986)

64% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
62% of users liked it
(452 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 common-law… 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

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Glen Pitre
Written By: Glen Pitre
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance

In Theaters: Mar 25, 2011 Limited
On DVD: Jun 1, 2004
Studio: Skouras Pictures

Critic Reviews

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.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Another ethnic group -- Cajuns, this time -- suffers the patronizing ministrations of the American Independent Cinema.
Rita Kempley, Washington Post
It's billed as a romantic comedy, but Cajun humor, like crawfish gumbo, takes some getting used to.
Paul Attanasio, Washington Post
This is an impressive debut film.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Belizaire has personality and quiet charm and a lot of affection, mixed in with the more predictable action elements.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Unique and flavorable slice of life.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
An early, interesting indie about the Cajuns that came out of Sundance Film Fest.
Mark R. Leeper, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Belizaire the Cajun is a "find" worth looking for at your local video store.

Read all 8 critic reviews

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Cast

            Armand Assante as Belizaire Breaux

            Gail Youngs as Alida Thibodaux

            Michael Schoeffling as Hypolite Leger

            Stephen McHattie as James Willoughby

            Will Patton as Matthew Perry

            Nancy Barrett as Rebecca

            Loulan Pitre as Sheriff

            Andre Delaunay as Dolsin

            Jim Levert as Amadee Meaux

            Ernie Vincent as Old Perry

            Paul Landry as Sosthene

            Allan L. Durand as Priest

            Robert Duvall as Preacher

            Michael Doucet as Fiddler

            Steve Broussard as Man at Gallows

            Bertrand de Blanc as Man on Porch

            Bob Edmundson as Head Vigilante

            Charlie Goulas as Vigilante

            Lauren Greene as Dancing Girl

            Dennis LeBlanc as Father of Dancing Girl

            Ken Meaux as Card Player

            Craig Soileau as Card Player

            Robert Earl Willis as Vigilante

            Robin Wood as Vigilante

            Brett Ashy
            
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