Movie Review: The Intouchables (2012)
112 minutes
Directed By: Eric Toledano , Olivier Nakache
Written By: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Comedy/Drama
4/5 Stars
From the same director of ‘Those Happy Days’ (2006) and ‘Tellement Proches’ (2009), Oliver Nakache brings the true story ‘The Intouchables’ to the big screen.
Starring Francois Cluzet as Philippe and Omar Sy as Driss the movie shows the life of millionaire Philippe post a tragic hand gliding accident which left him a quadriplegic.
When young Driss walks in purely to get a signature to earn unemployment benefits, Philippe sees something unique in him. Both their lives are given new meaning after Philippe hires the homeless young delinquent to be his live-in carer, resulting in an unlikely close friendship. The bond between the two is touching particularly as the reality of Philippe’s existence is relying on those around him. Philippe has to be fed, washed and carried in and out of his chair 24/7. While this is a challenge for the young man at first, his commitment in the end wins the household over. Filled with tear jerking and hilarious moments, if you like movies such as ‘Rain Man’ or ‘Death at a Funeral’ you will enjoy the humour which is dark but executed at the right time to be appropriately funny. Francois Cluzet is convincing as Philippe – not only in his acting but the way he holds his body, you truly believe he can’t move. Omar Sy is charming and clever as Driss with the delivery of his one liners- which lets him get away with jokes that said by any other person may be deemed inappropriate. The chemistry between the two of them is very believable as is the struggles they both have in their personal lives. And even though the movie is in French with subtitles- the experience was still enjoyable (evident by the roars of laughter in the cinema). The soundtrack is filled with the classics such as Earth Wind and Fires ‘Boogie Wonderland’ and scores from Vivaldi and is an integral part of the main characters life. The cinematography is simple and focuses on the characters faces highlighting their expressions.
An inspirational story that will be enjoyed by all. I give it 4 out 5 stars.
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