
Genres: ComedyDr
Starring: Clotilde Mollet, François Cluzet, Marie-Laure Descoureaux, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleurot, Joséphine de Meaux, Anne Le Ny
Available Quality: DivX, Hi Def, Hi Def
Director(s): Unknown
Country: France
Year: 2011
IMDB Rating: 8.5
A rich quadriplegic, living in a mansion in Paris, requires a live-in carer. A young offender turns up for an interview, but he is not really looking to get the job. However, to his surprise, he is hired. The two men then develop a close friendship.
damjan-zgonjanin (17 May 2013)
Amazing is the only word I can say about this movie, I've been memberof IMDb for quite some years and this is my first review ever and Idecided that I must say something about this movie. This is the bestmovie I have seen in years and it made me laugh, it made me sad, itmade simply a better person I can say. I will say I was little skepticat the beginning because I usually watch American/English movies mostlyand I usually don't like non-English movies, I found them almost everytime boring and I lose interest very soon, but this one kept mewatching without a brake. Its just a WONDERFUL story about friendshipand courage of two men that came from totally different backgrounds,but they fit together in this movie PERFECTLY. I gotta say Omar Syperformance was Oscar worthy, he was just great, he made me laughthrough the whole movie and he was incredible, and François Cluzet,what can I say about him, he was just great, playing such hard role, Ithink no one would have done better job then him. Two of them togethercarried the whole movie and made it PERFECT. The story was based ontrue events and I believe that fact made the movie even better becauseit has one thing that most other movies don't have and that is REALITY.When I think about this movie and these two guys and I realizesomewhere in the world they exist it makes so happy I just want to be abetter person, better friend, better man... So if you ask me this movie is MUST SEE, believe me you will not regretit...
Patrick Czekaj (17 May 2013)
Intouchables is probably one of the best French movies of the last fewdecades. It's not hard to see why it raised such a tremendous furor inEurope, and now it's creating an even bigger fan base for itself in theUnited States. It's so utterly pleasurable and heart-warming. Don'tlook at it as a foreign feature, though, or you will miss ale theexcitement. It's a movie simply made for the viewers to love andremember. Films like this one don't come out too often these days, sojust sit back and enjoy it while it's still out on the big screen.Intouchables presents a truly touching story about an unlikelyfriendship between an older, extremely rich, but severely paralyzedwhite man and a black man, who just got out of prison. Philippe is inneed of a caretaker and as soon as Omar steps into his house herealizes that he might be the right person for this specific role. Theplot doesn't concentrate too much on the way that those two guysconnect over time, but quickly shows how they got so fond of eachother. It was as if they were meant to work together and, in theprocess, become 'intouchable', in a very profound meaning of the word,and inseparable by any outer force. It's fantastic to see how peoplefrom completely different backgrounds are able to form such a strongbond and spend so many wonderful days and nights together. Even thoughat first it might seem that Omar may be overly vulgar, disrespectful,ignorant, and simply inadequate for this hard job, Philippe is stilleager to give him a chance. What's more, many of Philippe closestfriends don't approve of his new companion, but that doesn't discouragehim.It is simply remarkable, how Omar is able to bring warmth, enthusiasm,and so much fun into Philippe's life. They actually operate on the samewavelength, as it might seem, sharing the same views and opinions onvarious topics. Through Omar Philippe understands that sometimes all ittakes to achieve pure happiness is to let go and do what one feels likedoing, as if nothing really mattered, even if you are attached to awheelchair.And with that moving tale the movie creates a very powerful message,showing that all the wealth and money isn't capable of making a mantruly happy, when he doesn't have someone to share it with. It's therichness in heart and mind that really matters, not the abilities of abody blessed with fortune and power.Through his brilliant, funny, and very real performance, Omar Sy willprobably give his career a fantastic jump start. He is able to show thetransition that his character goes through, from a cold man living onthe streets, to a deeply compassionate and art-loving protector, in themost convincing manner.The amount of clever, laughable, and sometimes insulting (but timedvery adequately) jokes is simply overwhelming. Also, notice the amazingmix of classic music and 60's soul and the way it enhances thevisualization of this very peculiar friendship between the characters.I don't think that if someone would've come to me with a script andsaid: 'Listen, I got a story about a young black guy who makes fun of ahandicapped man and gives him weed to smoke just to make him feel morerelaxed' I would've bought it.It's a simple exaggeration, but through that straight statement I wantto show that the movie has yet so much more to offer, making themarvelous Intouchables a true stand-out movie of the last few years.Highly recommended.
simona gianotti (14 May 2013)
It's quite rare to find and have the pleasure to enjoy a genuine movie,blending comedy and drama with such naturalness: that's why"Intouchables" is undoubtedly a rare authentic picture and the factthat the story is inspired by a true one helped make the movie moreinvolving. Funny and touching at the same time, the picture evolveswith simplicity but strong pathos, with the merit of avoiding everypathetic or melodramatic attitude: there's brutal honesty inrepresenting the real condition of Philippe, as well as Driss's initialuncompassionate attitude. There are touching moments, there are trueamusing moments, both accompanied by a forceful soundtrack. Actingproves brilliant, to say the least, and the pairing between FrancoisCluzet and Omar Sy sparkles and captures the viewer's attention. I wasswept away by Dryss's genuine smile as well as by Philippe'smelancholic eyes, and the moments when they are together filled me withan authentic feeling-good sentiment. Definitely, a must-see picture.
Le Movie Snob (13 May 2013)
While not receiving as much praise as I had hoped, a quick coup d'oeilof critiques concede its appeal, despite a few exceptions, who shallheretofore be referred to as les détesteurs (haters).I'd like to thank les détesteurs for validating the purpose of thissite. "High Concept" doesn't automatically mean "this movie sucks," itjust seems that way because we've been served dreck. So we thinklooking to Europe, particularly France, led by les détesteurs andexpecting to be served "high art" will replace those IQ points lost bydomestic offerings. The real snobs are the ones who scoff at Francerevealing her quotidian side- you know, the masses that in actualitypay to see the high concept dreck that we serve them. Now, is thatjuste? Is that  American?It was an Englishman that coined the phrase "imitation is the sincerestform of flattery; we were not ashamed to flatter him or his country byimitating (appropriating) their language. I suggest we allow ourselvesto be flattered at their appropriation of our culture. Refusing wouldonly further confirm their suspicions of how uptight we are, beginningwith the R rating.The story concerns a stereotypical white guy: uptight, hyper-rich,insufferable man of privilege who happens to be a paraplegic (FrançoisCluzet). As is normal in such a circumstance, he requires constantcare. The movie begins with him interviewing prospects, note to lesdétesteurs: He's does not attend a slave auction. Among the candidatesis a stereotypical black guy: tall, muscular, bald, lives in theprojects, in trouble with the law, ill at ease with the finer things inlife (Omar Sy). Détesteurs: Did you notice that he's really black, like"direct from Africa black?" Your casting's way off.If you can't suss out the story from here, you probably haven't seen"Trading Places," "Driving Miss Daisy," "48 Hours," etc. Those were allgood, entertaining movies based on the same "cliché." The critics' logline would be "Black Man helps White Man become Better Person."However, I would bet that you won't be able to predict everything- itis indeed a French movie so some ambiguity is required. For those withpsychic cinematic gifts who do guess everything, so what?Predictability is not a bad thing; being predictably bad is a badthing. The movies mentioned in the previous paragraph were all bothpredictable and enjoyable.Instead of calling Omar Sy's character an "Uncle Tom" ensuring a Googlelegacy forever linking him with that slur, wouldn't it be great ifinstead, this film launched him as an international superstar? It'scertainly time for a new face, especially a non-white, non-Anglo one.While I think Jean Dujardin will have a successful internationalcareer, I don't think Jamel Debouzze or Gad Elmelah (two establishedcomedic stars in France trying to cross over) have the same comictalent or charisma, and his English is better. Before I rest my case,let me remind you of the most recent Francophone superstar: Jean ClaudeVan Damme.Finally, I would like to explain the cryptic title. François Cluzot hasbeen a critically acclaimed actor for many years and hopefully isrecognizable to French movie fans. Omar Sy became famous in France onsketch comedy TV shows, like his compatriot, first-ever-French BestActor Oscar winner Jean Dujardin.But, the real star of this movie is us, the U.S., the United States.Not our bi-racial kumbaya movies. Not our appropriated high conceptsand clichés.The element(s) that bonds these two men is music, a specific genre ofmusic born in America from an American group that epitomizes that genrelike no other and eradicates any overtones of racism.The recent tragic deaths of two of Disco's greatest artists, DonnaSummer and Robin Gibb, retrained my perspective. Anyone who was luckyenough to be alive when Disco dominated everything also remembers thedeath knells that chimed deafeningly as it was killing itself throughoverexposure. For a brief time, admitting you liked it was aninvitation for ridicule.Now, let me ask: have you ever, let alone recently, been to a wedding,a bar mitzvah, a club where anyone requested Quarterflash, The AlanParsons Project, or The Little River Band? It was they who vanquishedDisco.As we all know, Disco didn't die. Its call to dance has always been anaffirmation of life.So, for a life-affirming, feel good movie, it's only right to creditDisco as the true star.
Abdel Gulabkhan (13 May 2013)
This movie is about humanity and friendship, based on a true storyThe disabled man has all the money but he is sad and empty and his lifeis so boring and routine, he is trapped in his body inside his hugemansion.He employs a guy from the streets, used to hard life in gangs and nomoney. However this guy is down to earth, simple, and fun.It changes his whole world from boring, to living life on the edge,making the most out of things, having loads of fun. He cuts through allthe formal rubbish in the disabled mans life to tell him just do it andgo for it. This is the case when he writes love letters for 6 monthsand he finally gets the big push to meet up with the lady and be happy.It is a story of friendship and how people from two opposite ends oflife meet up in order for a care job to be done. In real life it provespeople from all backgrounds, money, handicapped can all be good to eachother and make a big difference to each others lives.This film is so funny you will laugh so much, it maybe in subtitles buthis movie is simply superb.Forget Hollywood £400 million pound blockbusters, this film is notabout money it is about true friendship and it beats all them otherfilms by miles
John DeSando (12 May 2013)
"I don't empty a stranger's butt." Driss (Omar Sy)But he will, and you'll not see a comedy this year on either side ofthe pond than The Intouchables. Or a better treatment of disability,without pity and filled with humanity. Or a better buddy story thanthis one about quadriplegic Phillipe (Francois Cluzet) and his aide,Driss (Omar Sy).It's a bromance without sex, a hands-across-the-social-divide thatavoids clichés but still gives anticipated humorous setups a new vigor.Expecting tears and pity, I found laughter and love as Driss, a poorblack man with a very big heart and personality, is hired by wealthyentrepreneur Phillipe to tend him. Although the eventual reinvigorationof daredevil Phillipe under the exuberant if rough Driss is to beexpected with this formula, the wholesome affection and lack of pityare infectious.Intouchables has numerous moments of hilarity and humanity such as whenthe two men speed down the highway almost hoping for police who willfulfill Driss's prediction that the two end up with an escort. Both menare speed freaks; both men are happy to indulge that passion.Another mirthful moment is Driss's reaction to his first opera. Operalovers will especially like his unaffected amazement and amusement thatthis is how the rich spend their time. Sy is so good as Driss that evenI would enjoy his spontaneous disruption of a serious operaticproduction.Buried in the joyful surface is the subject of class differences. Drisscomes from living with several cousins in a small apartment, may havebeen a druggie and a dealer, and avoids work. Phillipe is a wealthyentrepreneur who went too high on a para sail to fulfill his dangerlust. Beyond a small fee Phillipe wrangles from a friend for Driss'spainting, Driss gets no other improvement in his living situation andPhillipe deteriorates while he makes a tough decision about Driss.It's not difficult to see why the film has been seen by over 300million people so far and just begun to flourish in the US.
Peter Nielsen (12 May 2013)
Im not a fan of french movies at all but i must say this moviesurprised me. The acting is superb and realistic as if they really werethese characters for real. Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy had a great connection they fit very welltogether in this movie. I think anybody would like it as its just notan ordinary french movie. It is also a very funny one that willdefinitely make you laugh and feel happy. I really recommend thismovie.So if you are looking for a movie that will inspire you then this iswhat you are looking for.
John Butling (11 May 2013)
In a particularly odd year for the American awards season, it seems theridicule of the constantly produced (and typically American) cookiecutter garbage has seeped through into the European market and sold asgold as well. The formula for what is to be a successful film appearslittle more than a grossly over simplified account of a universallyunderstood human rights issue and use of tacky humor. In this case therelationship formed between the native Europeans and migrating Africansseeking a new life of freedom and the easy streak is played in aclichéd story of the settling of cultural differences and the power offriendship. Unfortunately the seriousness of the economic turmoil thishas caused is thrown straight out of the picture and replaced with anugly array of unfunny jokes and forced smiles.The acting is certainly up to par along with the shot selectionalthough this hardly makes up for the fact that the script was writtenby an absolute moron with little concern for the real world and it'sall to real consequences. Ultimately, the film has been set up as farto idealistic, it's coincidences too ridiculous, it's characters withtoo much goodness and problems that are solved with what is essentiallya smile and snap of the fingers. This is quite simply another feel goodflick with technical flair and little relevance to anyone who isn't atotal idiot.The fact that this film has maintained a position in the top 250 is adisgrace. I find it to be extremely unfortunate that this is what isconsidered a quality film by the members of this website.
jessie-39 (09 May 2013)
This is one of the best movies we have ever seen. My wife and I see 3movies a week on average over The past 40 years. Saying it is one ofthe best is quite a statement. This French movie with sub titles issimply Spectacular. The storyline involves a man crippled in Anaccident, his wife has passed away and he cannot Find adequate helpwhich he requires 24/7. Until he meets the Most unlikely of people tocare for him. The acting by Omar Sy & Mr. Cluzet Is the very best. Themovie has everything you want in a Movie. It has compassion and isspectacularly Funny. Run to see this movie. The two prime Actors mustbe recognized for a whole host Of awards. Wow!
fionadliliane-cross (08 May 2013)
Being french and a film maker myself, I have high standards forratings, and this one definitely deserves in 10/10. I've not seen afilm showing our world with such humour in a long time. The jokes areabsurd and possibly, with a touch of British humour to them. Thedirecting is beautiful, the acting is incredible, the shots are somehowtruthful, if I can say that about a shot. It may be Omar Sy's firsttime in a leading role, for a major production, but he reallydelivered, and not just in the funny parts, the delivery of emotionswas just spotless. Francois Cluzet was also just as brilliant, as heusually is. I will be recommending this film to everyone, and seriouslyhoping it will be released in the UK soon enough for me to see itagain! Only negative aspect... the Americans are thinking of doing aremake... why do they always have to? I mean would you reconsiderremaking the "Joconde" or the Sixtine Chapel to American standards?Film is an art like any other, it travels the world as it is... no needfor remakes...
faterson (08 May 2013)
This has to be one of the least-demanding movies on the viewer -- asidefrom sexual allusions, a 6-year-old would likely be able to understandwhat the movie is all about. The two lead actors (especially Omar Sy)give nice performances, but nothing really surprising is happening inthe course of the movie, and it is only moderately funny. The finestthing about the movie is its ending: despite being entirelypredictable, it manages to be genuinely moving. The second-best thingabout the movie is its visual splendor: not just Paris in all its(aristocratic) glory, but the countryside, the mountains and woodlands(and spectacularly paragliding over them), the sea and the beach. Thereis something worrisome and kitschy about the plot, however: it stars animmensely wealthy quadriplegic. I admit I'm not really interested inwatching movies about quadriplegics, including those who are notwell-to-do, but for the entire duration of the movie, I couldn't getthat question out of my mind: "Why make a movie about a quadriplegic,but make him immensely rich as well? Why not make a *poor*quadriplegic, or a quadriplegic of ordinary means, the star of themovie? Would there be anyone to take care of *him*?" In this sense, onemight detect a measure of cruelty about the movie -- in that inportraying the life of a quadriplegic, it picked one who definitelywill not represent the typical quadriplegics from around the world. Themovie's "love angle" can, for the same reason, be perceived as cynical,too: would a perfectly attractive and young-looking woman be taking aninterest in a middle-aged quadriplegic, meeting him for a romanticrendezvous at the seaside, had he not been as rich as he is? One of themovie's ironies is that the character played by Omar Sy actually saysthis out loud (and *really* loud) when the two friends are sitting inthe opera house: that women aren't looking for charming, handsome menas much as for those men who are wealthy and able to provide securityfor them. Well, that certainly lends a sour aftertaste to the lovestory -- but perhaps this was intended by the story's authors, and theyare poking fun at themselves in this way. All in all, an OK movie, butinsanely overpraised.
thucy1 (07 May 2013)
I have read the review of a famous french movie journalist calledPierre Murat, in the very intellectual magazine "Telerama", and I'mfurious about it. He wrote that the worldwide success of this movie washighly predictable : good feelings, a "feel good movie" in a gloomytime of economic crisis, etc, etc...Nonsense. Who could have thought that a french movie about atetraplegic man on a wheelchair would be seen by 37 millions people inEurope, that is to say more than the US family blockbuster, the lastHarry Potter movie ? Please, be serious Mr Murat.Mr Murat too says that this movie is just good feelings, not goodacting or good movie direction. Here again, it's completely out ofbase. the actors are wonderful and have a perfect chemistry betweenthem, the script is perfect.I laughed and I have been "touched"at the same time. Laugh and emotionat the same time, it's a rare combination in a whole film.But infamy didn't come only from some pedantic french journalists whoalways denigrate and despise the successful movies (of course, when amovie is liked my many people, they say it's demagogic and bad taste).Some US critics dared to say that this movie was racist because theactor playing the man who helps the rich paralyzed aristocrat is black! My god. Why some Americans are so obsessed by the skin colours ? As aFrench, it's not at all something that I noticed ! Who cares if Omar Syis Black ? They totally missed the point.What is important in this movie, it's precisely the universal messagedelivered behind a true story wonderfully told by 2 brilliant actors :beyond all of our possibles differences (physical or socialdisabilities or prejudices), we are human beings after all, who can befriends.Intouchables is not simply a "buddy movie" or a "feel good movie", it'sa movie about humanity, devotion to others, friendship, tolerance.Unfortunately, Mr Murat kept is social prejudices (he thinks that apopular movie is always a bad one), as some US commentators kept theirracial prejudices about black men serving white men.Beware : this movie is for open minded people only ! I'm howeverpleased to see that they are more open minded people than I thought.:-)
siderite (06 May 2013)
If you are looking for a feel good movie that has also deep meaning andtrue characters, look no further: Intouchables is for you. It is thestory of the friendship between a very rich white paraplegic and hislow class dark skinned caretaker. Best of all, it is based on a truestory, something that brings an extra bit of authenticity to the film,not that the excellent play of the actors needed more.Now, at times it seems too idealistic and probably it is, with the"lord" giving a chance to the "peasant" and then becoming friends whenintimate enough to learn about each other; a bit like a fairy tale. AndI am sure some of the film is just invented. But it doesn't matter. Theidea is true, the acting is true and the characters bring a lot ofhumour and compassion into it.All in all a very nice movie, one that can bring a little joy in an alltoo serious and dark world.
Camelia Chollet (06 May 2013)
One of my favourite films is THE INTOUCHABLES with the famous actorOmar Sy who became popular because of the TV show 'SAV'. A wonderfuland emotional story about Philippe, a rich quadriplegic who requires alive-in caregiver. One the plus side, the movie is funny and sensitive at the same time.In this role Omar keeps his trademark hilarious attitude. He gets thejob to work for Philippe, played by 'Francois Cluzet'.Philippe loves Cedric's behaviour and attitude (Omar Sy) because hetreats him like a normal person without mercy or sympathetic. In thismovie you will discover a story of love and close friendship. Moreover, this movie is taken from a true story which make the ploteven more real and attractive. Go and see this film. You won't be disappointed.
becaby (05 May 2013)
When I first saw "Intouchables", it hadn't become the French box officehit it is now, in fact I hadn't heard of it or watched a trailer beforeseeing the film. Members of my family who were there with me wereabsolutely enchanted when we got out, but I merely shrugged.I remember thinking, early on in the film: "It seems they sort of knowwhat they're doing", what with the very expressive visual choices interms of setting and photography. But as the movie went on, all tracesof artistic flair were lost for good.The characters are flat and are only here so that the audience can havea good laugh and be forced to accept the old fallacy that a movie withdisabled people can only be good. Then again, I found myself smiling atvarious points of the movie, but I only think it is sad that the movieabandons its interesting story and social context: by the end, it doesnot consist of much more than a long thread of random jokes. FrancoisCluzet is too distancing in the role of a jaded paraplegic, but Omar Symakes the most of his (very) limited part. It is only through thischaracter that the film manages to take a stand against prejudiceswithout feeling divorced from reality or from the cinematic necessitiesof storytelling and character development.Let's sum things up this way: the movie had a great beginning in whichit properly introduced the world of the story, Omar Sy's performance isreally engaging, and yes, the film is VERY entertaining and beautiful,but it is not realistic enough nor ready to put its many jokes incontext.
Bilge E. (04 May 2013)
This is a perfect film. I had some hesitations with respect to this film before I went- I wasscared it would be too melodramatic with a huge focus on the pain andstruggle of the disabled guy. Three minutes into the film, I realisedmy prejudgement could not be any further from the truth. I have laughedthroughout the whole film and I enjoyed every second I was in the movietheatre. It approaches the relationship between a carer and his patientfrom a completely different point of view than we are used to. Thesupport actor and actresses are very good as well.This is a must see film. I strongly recommend it to everyone.
Hellmant (01 May 2013)
'THE INTOUCHABLES': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five) A French comedy-drama film that has become the third biggest foreignfilm and biggest foreign language film of all time. It's also receivedrave reviews and a great deal of award recognition, but no 2012 AcademyAward nomination (due to the fact that the foreign language divisionwas afraid it would win). The film is beloved the world over butperhaps just a little over-hyped. It's a good movie but it is clichédand somewhat simple and unoriginal. It's been criticized for beinganother tale that revolves around rich white people being enlightenedand finding happiness through poor black people. It does seem like thetype of movie Eddie Murphy might have starred in in the 80s, perhapswith Dustin Hoffman (because the lead white actor in the film bares astriking resemblance to Dustin Hoffman).The film stars Francois Cluzet as an aristocrat, named Philippe, whowas paralyzed in a paragliding accident. He's somewhat depressed andhas lost most communication with his adopted daughter Elisa (Alba GaiaKraghede Bellugi). He also has phantom pains which keep him up at nightand still mourns the death of his wife greatly, who died before theycould have any kids of their own. He maintains romantic relationshipswith women only through written letters and fears actually meeting orspeaking with them. One day he's looking for a new caretaker and a mannamed Driss (Omar Sy) enters his home just looking for a signature sohe can continue to collect welfare checks. Driss lives with his largefamily in a small flat in a Parisian suburb. So when Philippe actuallydoes offer him a job as well as a room in his mansion, that has it'sown large bathtub in it, it's quite a culture shock for him. Of coursePhilippe is inspired by Driss and both men's lives are forever changed.The film was written and directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano.It is nicely directed and looks beautiful. It also has a nicecombination of both comedy and drama and both elements are done well.It's just that the film isn't that funny or that emotionally moving.The performances are fine, it has some good laughs and it's a good wellintentioned story but it's nothing we haven't seen before and far fromanything spectacular. It's enormous success does puzzle me a little butI'd much rather see a movie like this do really well than somethinglike 'TWILIGHT'. So it's definitely a decent crowd-pleasing film, justnot a great one.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcoZRlVFMzA
Mick Svenson (30 April 2013)
I hadn't expected too much of this film because of the carer/wheelchairstoryline. It just didn't sound very interesting. So I was pretty muchastonished to find myself watching a truly marvellous and entertainingmovie.It's a unique storyline which is apparently based on true life. The two guys at the centre of the plot keep bouncing jokes off eachother leaving you in fits of laughter. But it's not just a comedy;there's a lot of sad, moving and beautiful stuff in there as well.Script, direction, filming and acting are all of the highest standard.This is a very sensitive treatment of human relationships; sad, funnyand involving. It's simply a great movie. I can't recommend it highlyenough.
planktonrules (28 April 2013)
According to IMDb, "The Intouchables" set all sorts of box officerecords--the second most successful French film in history in France aswell as the number one film for 2012 in Germany. So, because of thisvery impressive pedigree I was perhaps expecting a little more. Nowthis is NOT to say it's a bad film--it's wonderful. It just didn't seemquite THAT wonderful. But it IS well worth seeing.As for the plot, this movie is a true-life account of a quadriplegicman (François Cluzet) in search of a new aide. However, all the folkswho apply for the job seem the same--boring and sterile. On an oddlark, he chooses an unqualified man who doesn't seem interested in thejob at all (Omar Sy). And, oddly, they form a friendship that seems toreinforce the old adage that opposites attract.While the plot is amazingly thin and seems to be missing chunks of thestory, the film is masterful in several ways. The acting (particularlyby Sy) is just terrific. But even more terrific is the artistry of thefilm itself. It takes a somewhat ordinary story and injects it withclass--including some wonderful cinematography and one of the nicestsoundtracks I have ever heard. It is a lovely film.
Harry T. Yung (27 April 2013)
This genre of feel-good film is far from being uncommon and there is awide range of treatments from restrained downplaying to shamelesscontriving. Not a few are "based on" or "inspired by" a real story,which also happens to be claimed by "Intouchables" But even whenconstraint by real events, there would usually be some plot elementsthat goes from mildly dramatic to qualifying as a plot twist."Intouchables" is unique in this context: nothing happens! The aboveassertion has no evaluation connotations, but simply represents astatement of fact. You actually may not even notice this because themovie is so absorbing. It may be that only when you reflect back, yourealize that really nothing much happens in the movie.The movie is about how street-hardened Driss (Omar Sy) andaccident-inflicted quadriplegic Philippe (Francois Cluzet) develops alive-long bond through their relationship as caretaker and patient. Theremarkable thing is that there is little sappy poignancy, or maybe Ishould say none. The two men laugh a lot together, and then they laughmore. Sy portrayal of Driss is so pleasant that the cheekiness becomesentirely acceptable, sometimes even endearing. Philippe simply cannotpull a long face to this young man that is always bubbling withpositive energy. When he should be annoyed, he always end up smiling orlaughing.Most of this movie is predictable but that does not take anything awayfrom the thorough pleasure you'll get, particularly from the birthdayparty the kind-hearted folks organize for Philippe, a complete bore tobe endured year after year, until Driss comes along. This is the setpiece of the movie.Two support characters, Philippe's nurse Yvonne (Anne Le Ny) andsecretary Magalie (Audrey Fleurot) are icing on the cake, theirinteraction with Driss bringing smiles, chuckles and bursts of laughsat various intervals. Both perform creditably, while Fleurot's elegantbeauty is an added bonus.I said nothing happens but that's not entirely true. One thing theaudience would perhaps miss is that if their focus is visually on thephysical handicap of Phillip, they would not register the mostimportant thing he said (or what the sub-title says he said), thatbeing paralysed did not hurt so much as losing his beloved wife. Hefinally managed to go as far as starting a correspondence with a verynice woman, entirely through email. It was Driss who brought Philippeand his future second wife together face-to-face. The rest is history.Both Cy and Cluzet were nominated for Cesar. Both deserve to win butunfortunately there was only one prize for best actor. Cluzet hasalready won before, and that is as good a reason as any that theyawarded it to Cy this time.
Review total: 20, showing from 1 to 20