The Necessities of Life

The Necessities of Life

  • Overview
  • Cast
  • Crew
  • Recommendations

Status

Released

Release Date

Aug 25, 2008

Runtime

1h 42m

Genres

Drama

User Score

73%

Original Title

Ce qu'il faut pour vivre

Production Companies

Téléfilm Canada, Astral Media, Société Radio-Canada, Super Écran, APTN, ACPAV, SODEC

Director

Benoît Pilon

Description

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