Review of The Intouchables (2011) by Hafiz R — 21 Jun 2014

The Intouchables is a French comedy drama movie that is co-directed and written by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. Starring in the movie is Omar Sy as Driss, Francois Cluzet as the aristocrat named Philippe, Anne Le Ny as Yvonne, Audrey Fleurot as the beautiful Magalie, and others to start with. The film is based on a true story of friendship between a handicapped millionaire Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his street smart ex-con caretaker and his French-Algerian caregiver Abdel Sellou.

The Intouchables tells the story about a French aristocrat named Philippe (Francois Cluzet) who becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident. Because of the nature of his paralysis, Philippe have to hire a caretaker to help him in his daily life. Then comes a young man, named Driss (Omar Sy) to fill that role of a caretaker. However, Driss is a carefree pot-smoking former con Senegalese, whose attitude seems to go against what most of Philippe's staff think he needs. Over the next month the two of them bond as Driss teaches Philippe how to have fun and enjoy life like never before.

As a millionaire paralyzed in a paragliding accident, Philippe sees something in Driss, a man living in the slums of France who has spent the last six months in prison, who applies for the job of Philippe's caregiver merely to get his welfare benefits. Driss is given a one-month trial and he quickly learns what a difficult job it is, but the two men start to bond since Driss doesn't allow Philippe to take his situation too seriously. Driss allows Philippe to have fun again, whether it's driving him around in one of his fast cars (especially the Maserati Quattroporte) or hiring masseurs, and as much as he's a bad influence, everyone else around Philippe notices his astounding change as Driss helps him connect with a woman with whom he's been corresponding.

As much as this is about the relationship between the duo and how Driss helps Philippe start living his life again, there are a few smaller subplots involving Philippe's spoiled teen daughter (Elisa) and the problems faced by Driss' brother (Adama). Driss also spends a lot of time chasing after Philippe's sexy red-headed assistant Magalie only to be snubbed at every turn despite his best smooth-talking.

In my view, as good as the screenplay may be, it's the performances of Francois Cluzot and Omar Sy that makes this movie what it is with the former bringing the necessary weight to the role of a man who has suffered greatly. Omar Sy, as Driss, has just the right amount of charm and personality that are amazing to watch as well as an incredibly expressive face, which makes his sense of humor and the way he jokingly mocks Philippe work so much better than it may have with a more experienced actor. I also think that, by seeing the way he creates such a terrific character, Omar Sy is an actor who we want to see more of since he clearly has the ability to get me as the viewers on his side regardless of even his worst behavior. I do find that, Sy's electric performances in The Intouchables, is resembling him as the French Chris Tucker. Nevertheless, the dynamic between both Driss and Philippe character, is spot on and the movie's direction and cinematography lends it an art house feel that in addition to the actors' proficiency keeps it from veering into overly sentimental territory.

There aren't many movies being made in Hollywood that feel as natural in their warmth and sense of fun that Nakache and Toledano bring to every scene. For instance, the music Nakache and Toledano inserted in The Intouchables have a distinctive tone with an eclectic combination of perfect somber piano score such as Ludovico Einaudi's and with classic R 'n' B like Kool and the Gang and Earth, Wind and Fire. The movie may go on for a bit prolong after we return to the opening scene, but it ends with one last funny bit before delivering the most heartwarming tearjerker of an ending.

To sum it all, The Intouchables is a terrific film, with true delight and enjoyment that rises above its simple premise to deliver one of the most joyous and memorable film experiences I've had so far. To all French films aficionados, this is the one you should try.