If you are sceptical about French films, don’t be for this one … it is a must see film, my personal favourite of 2012.
I know that I am a little bit late to the party celebrating the film “Intouchable*” but better late than never.. It has heart, humour, hope and in the end happiness. The fact it is based on a true story, is just the icing on the cake.
The film tells the story of Philippe (Francois Cluzet), a rich man living in Parris who is a tetraplegic as a result of a paragliding accident. His condition requires 24 hour care and when he advertises for a carer, he gets Driss (Omar Sy) as an applicant. Driss doesn’t really want the job; he just needs to get his paperwork signed showing he applied for the job. That way he can get his unemployment benefit.
Philippe however sees something in Driss that he thinks will work and he offers him the job. Driss takes it on a trial basis but the luxurious life it offers him is hard to refuse. Driss edges his way into being Philippe’s carer and almost involuntarily makes Philippe’s life better. From the time Driss walks in the door, Philippe is either laughing or has a smile on his face.
The charisma and rapport between these two actors is amazing. Their warmth spills off the screen and into the audience’s hearts. Driss is a charmer, that’s for sure, but so is Philippe. He has an infectious smile and a radiant essence for life, He has been handed a tough deal with the accident and other tragedies in his life, but he is still pursuing happiness. Cluzet perfectly captures each longing and each triumph.
Sy gives the character Driss his spirit and gives him his heart. If Sidney Poitier was a younger man this is a role he could embrace… Sy also throws in some smooth dance moves that show his roots.
Some people may choose not to watch this film because it is French with subtitles. That is a shame because hearing the French language enhances the film…
* Intouchable is the U.S published title
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