The Wars Remastered

By Timothy Findley | Directed by Robin Phillips

1983 | Canada | 120min | English | Open Captions (OC)

Adapted for the screen by Timothy Findley from his 1977 Governor General’s Literary Award-winning novel, The Wars was directed by Robin Phillips, following his celebrated tenure as Artistic Director of Canada’s Stratford Festival. The film features Canadian stars of the stage and screen including Brent Carver, Martha Henry, William Hutt, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Jackie Burroughs, Jean LeClerc, Domini Blythe, Susan Wright and Barbara Budd. The film’s musical score was Glenn Gould’s last composition.

Set in 1914, The Wars follows Robert Ross (Carver), a protected adolescent living in Edwardian Toronto’s Rosedale society. When his beloved disabled sister Rowena (MacDonald) accidentally dies, he clashes with his family and enlists in World War I. After training in Alberta and Montreal, he finds himself in trench warfare in England and France. The war becomes another way for Robert to resolve his conflicts, his passions—his wars.

The Wars was nominated for seven Genie Awards, including Best Film and Best Screenplay. Martha Henry and Jackie Burroughs won the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress Awards for their performances.

Thanks to our Event Partner, the Toronto Star. $1 of each ticket sold will be donated to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, which fundraises annually to deliver 50,000 holiday gift boxes to financially vulnerable children.