gradyharp

(2013-05-23 02:58:18)

'Art is the only trace we leave behind.'

Films such as THE INTOUCHABLES come around far too seldom and when theydo the public should somehow be advised that here is a cup of magicthat could alter the manner in which we relate to each other and to theworld tainted by schisms of societal errors. Written and directed byOlivier Nakache and ГѓВ‰ric Toledano the film was inspired by the truestory of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Sellou,discovered by the directors in 'A la vie, ГѓВ  la mort', a documentaryfilm. Of note, the book version of the film's story was written andreleased after the film enjoyed great success. Written by Abdel Sellouthe book 'You Saved My Life' tells the extraordinary true story of thecharming Algerian con-man' friendship with a disabled Frencharistocrat. Sellou's book shows the real man behind Sellou/Driss'ssmiling face. The book takes us from his childhood spent stealing candyfrom the local grocery store, to his career as a pickpocket and scamartist, to his unexpected employment as a companion for a quadriplegic.Sellou has never before divulged the details of his past. In manyinterviews and documentaries, he has evaded or shrugged off thequestion of his childhood and his stay in prison, until now. He tellshis story with a stunning amount of talent, with humor, style,and--though he denies that he has any--humility. Abdel Sellou now livesin Algeria with his wife and three children, where he runs a chickenfarm. He remains close to Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, who lives in Moroccowith his second wife and two children.The cinematic version of this relationship is an irreverent, upliftingcomedy about friendship, trust and human possibility. After he becomesa quadriplegic from a paragliding accident the aristocraticintellectual Parisian millionaire Philippe (FranГѓВ§ois Cluzet) isinterviewing candidates for the position of his caretaker with hissecretary Magalie (Audrey Fleurot). Out of the blue, the rude ex-conAfrican Driss (Omar Sy) cuts the line of candidates and brings adocument from the Social Security and asks to Philippe to sign it toprove that he is seeking a job position to receive his unemploymentinsurance. Philippe, impressed that Driss is the only candidate whodoes not look at him with pity, challenges Driss and offers a period ofadaptation of one week to him to gain experience helping him. ThenDriss would decide whether he would like to stay with him or not. Drissaccepts the bet and moves to the mansion, changing the boring life ofPhilippe and his employees, especially under the watchful andcompassionate eye of the head of the house staff Yvonne (Anne Le Ny).As Driss reluctantly learns to move, feed, and clean Philippe, the twomen discover a blunt but vital humor that not only bridges the culturaland class divide between them, but gives Philippe a renewed joy in life- and a chance to turn his passionate epistolary relationship with oneEleanore whom he has never seen into a chance at a second go at life.The only aspect of this film that is somewhat distracting is that thefilm opens with a car adventure involving both Philippe and Dris whichis terrific film making and very funny but does make the film'sbeginning (after the credits) seem less surprising. A very minor point,especially when the film ends with the same activity but this timedrives it to an incredibly touching completion. Highly recommended onevery level: both FranГѓВ§ois Cluzet and Omar Sy are brilliant! Grady Harp

billcr12

(2013-05-22 16:47:42)

Poetic and Touching

Philippe is paralyzed as the result of an accident while paragliding.The opening scene of the film shows him as a passenger in a Maseratimoving along at high speeds, driven by a black man. The police pullover the car and immediately assume the worst. As he is being patteddown, he tells the cops to look in the back at the wheelchair, used bythe man he is driving to a hospital for an emergency. After they leave,we see that this was all a ruse by the two men.A flashback at a beautiful residence where a row of people are waitingto be interviewed for the job of caretaker for Philippe, and Driss, thedriver from the beginning is interviewed by the patient and anassistant. He asks for his application to be signed so that he cancontinue to collect unemployment. Instead he is hired and learns how todo physical therapy and other tasks.At first he is reluctant to do what he is asked, but in time the oddcouple become friends. Driss learns about Philippes life, including thedeath of his wife. The rich man's lawyer warns him that his newassistant has a criminal record and was in jail for six months. Driss hears Philippe dictating a letter to woman and when he finds outthat he has been having a pen pal relationship with the lady, convinceshim to call her to set up a real date. After exchanging pictures, theyarrange a meeting at a restaurant, but he leaves before she shows up. To get away, they take a private jet and later go paragliding, whilestrapped to others. Family troubles force Driss to leave to take careof several relatives and Philippe despises his new helper. He grows ascraggly beard and Driss visits and ridicules his ugly facial hair.They drive to a beach front restaurant where Driss has a surprisewaiting. The Intouchables is somewhat overly sentimental, but Francois Cluzetand Omar Sy are so good as the two men from different worlds whoconnect, it can be overlooked in this beautiful and poetic real lifestory.

Quietb-1

(2013-05-22 04:02:43)

A small gem that sparkles

Other then "Driving Miss Daisy" the relationship between a care-giverand his patient is not the kind of story that comes out of Hollywood.That's why when you see this gem you'll be reading sub-titles.There's an award worthy performance by Omar Sy in role of thecare-giver. Outstanding use of music that is melded into the story.At times the sub-titles blend into the background and are hard to read.The movie is a tad too long. There is a lack of father daughterrelationship in the movie that already seems to have been left on thecutting room floor.It not the kind of story that draws a wide audience. In the summerseason of rehashed super heroes and explosions, a story about humanityand friendship is not going to attract a large audience. The movie isin limited release but seek it out.

abbieb0809

(2013-05-21 10:28:13)

Moving, Emotional, Feel Good.....

Really enjoyed this film, and even though the sub-titles always feellike a bit of a chore, there aren't too many lines to disturb theactual viewing of the film. Driss (Omar) is just perfection andcouldn't have been played by anyone else. His personality shine throughand you just want to keep watching him. Once the film is over, you feellike you want to know what happens next, where did they go, what didthey become? The closing credits do offer a bit of information but youwant to keep watching, regardless. Without giving too much away, theending makes the film complete. I felt like my heart was going to burst- when I realised what happened. And just how good it makes you feel.If anyone enjoyed this film as much as me, for the same reasons I did(that you can actually feel good about watching a man who can movenothing at all from the neck down), then read "Me Before You" by JoJoMoyes. Stunning...

greytuol

(2013-05-15 19:26:37)

A Modern Day Masterpiece.

After spending the better part of 2 hours watching this glorious film,I have decided to take it upon myself to express my utter delight atthe fact that a film like this regardless of the scenario can be such ajoy!It is safe to say to all movie fans that 2012 has been extremelydisappointing in terms of quality story lines, scripting and acting ingeneral. We have become so used to the annual 'blockbuster' scenariosthat at times we as an audience tend to forget what it is like toactually experience something of great quality.The two main protagonists in this film are Philippe (FranГѓВ§ois Cluzet) awealthy quadriplegic and a far removed and initially troubled Parisian- Driss (Omar Sy). The chemistry that each has towards one another andthe play on Driss' ignorance to Philippe and his disability makes thisfeature charm you from the very start - along with the contrast insocial standings, education and hobbies their lives become dependent onone another over time. Through the use of the extremely well placedquips, jokes and glorious rhetoric it leaves you always wanting more,and it does just that. To actually say this in a review is genuinelyrare for me and I hope that this film gets the genuine recognition itdeserves by the audience who watch it in the future, for it is a raremasterpiece of cinematic perfection parading values of friendship andhumour that you will want to talk about with your friends for quitesome time.No words can really describe the true delight this film has brought tomy life and those who were with me in the cinema. Truly excellent!

Limnash Mohammed Ali

(2013-05-15 08:04:24)

Beautiful ..Just like a painting

This movie just flows. The friendship, the warmth, the feel goodfactor, all of it sums up The Intouchables. How awesome should a moviebe if someone can give a rating of 10 by just reading the subtitles?It takes you right into the story without much ado.The acting isexcellent as well as the cinematography. The emotional connect is avery important factor in any movie. This film gets full marks for theemotional connection it is able to make with the audience. Rather thanseeing it, we actually feel it. The comic moments are also handled verywell. It makes us laugh but the thread of the story is never fiddledwith.This is my first French movie and I am not disappointed. I recommendeveryone to watch this flick as it is worth the 2 hours.

jo_steins

(2013-05-11 18:40:59)

Wonderful, funny and touching

Well, I've just got out of the theater and i must say that all thereviews are right. this is an amazing film! The actors are simply thebest, Omar is not only a great comic but also a great actor.The filming has a certain touch that brings to mind "What's EatingGilbert Grape" in the way the director was able to capture not only thesuffering of Phillip but also the joy.Not wanting to spoil the film for others, i highly recommend seeingthis in the theaters and with a loved one.It is also a good film for teenagers as it holds a few wonderful lifelessons.Enjoy.

Bene Cumb

(2013-05-11 09:32:19)

Great sad comedy, with giftedly combined contrasts

Although the plot is based on real events, it must be very difficult tobalance sorrow and joy, wealth and poverty, constrained disability and(hyper)activity in such a way that the result is not rude and/orembarrassing. In spite of several teases and jokes related todisability, they are included in a logical and realistic way into Driss's character (splendidly played by Omar Sy). No wonder that the filmhas received so much warm welcome and has become one of the biggestFrench successes all over the world. Opposites, even antipodes haveseveral things in common, but there are a few occasions triggering theevents to understand them. The film could be recommended even to those who have disabled personsclosely around. Perhaps it is then possible to find new angles to dealwith them and bring more joy and variety into their lives.And last but not least: I hope no Hollywood remake is made, althoughEddie Murphy and Dustin Hoffman (just my guess due to their looks andsimilarity) could be tempted to go for it...

(2013-05-10 11:49:37)

Excellent movie

This movie surprised us. We checked on IMDb and saw 8/10 for a frenchmovie, without hesitation we went to the movie theatre to watch themovie.The subject is hard but the movie is really funny. In a few seconds youare fully projected within the film from the beginning to the end.There is no special effet but the actors are playing very well and themovie is based on a real story.If you are skeptical for French movie don't be for this one ... it is amust see movie.Enjoy the movie.

Larry Silverstein

(2013-05-10 02:38:48)

Infects You With a Zest For Life

I found both leads to be terrific in this movie. Francois Cluzet, avery accomplished French actor, plays Philippe. He feels nothing fromhis neck down after being injured in a paragliding accident. He stillpossesses a very sharp mind and a biting sense of humor.Omar Sy portrays Idriss who comes from the complete "other side of thetracks" from Philippe, who is extremely wealthy. Idriss has had a roughlife thus far, even recently serving a stint for robbery. But he has azest for life that Philippe notices when Idriss comes to apply for acaretaker position.There is an instant bond between them and they play off each otherextremely well. I thought that the script was razor sharp, as offeredby the team of Eric Toledano and Olvier Nakache, who also co-directedthe movie.Anne Le Ny, the veteran French actress was absolutely superb, in asupporting role, as Philippe's house manager. Audrey Fleurot was alsowonderful as the sexy redheaded personal assistant of Philippe's.The musical soundtrack, which was really quite varied, I thought wasalso exceptional.This is the type of film, in my opinion, that one has to look at moreas a fantasy even though it's based on a true story. I imagine that itprobably is easier to face being severely physically challenged whenyou're very wealthy, as opposed to having to wait hours for services orworry about your next check when you're poor. So I had to put thataside and just try and enjoy the film that was presented to me, andthat worked for me.

karlo_v

(2013-05-05 16:03:41)

A carefree (yes, carefree) comedy about a quadriplegic

This movie does not really need another review, but after seeing whatDaily Beast's (Marlow Stern) and Variety's (Jay Weissberg) critics havewritten about it, I feel that one thing needs a serious clarification.It is somewhat disturbing and, at the same time, really telling a lotabout USA's culture that American reviewers see this movie as"race-relations" feature.I've read all of the 38 reviews written here on IMDb until now and Iwould suggest to both Stern and Weissberg to do the same. Maybe theycould learn something. Most of the reviews here were written bynon-Americans and, tellingly, most of them do not even mention race orrace relations or anything similar. To me that shows how deep anythingto do with a difference in color of skin has been intertwined with USAculture when even in this film - where nobody from, let's say the restof the world, does not see any racism or anything similar - the onlything USA critics do see is the difference in color of skin. Sad, verysad.I'm, therefore, afraid that, if it shares Stern's and Weissberg'sopinions, most of the USA audience will not see the real beauty of thisfilm and will, probably also under the influence of critics' reviews,see the movie as a race-relations feature when that's the only thingit's not.And what it is? It is (I can't believe I'm gonna write this) a carefreecomedy about a quadriplegic and his personal aide. The movie does notat any moment come even close to apathy or pathetics which is a successon its own. The movie also has just about the perfect amount of blackhumor and political incorrectness and does not cross those borders atany time. I think this is the only movie about a disabled human where,after seeing it, you will go out of the theater laughing. And I can'tremember any movie which approaches such a difficult theme with suchease.Additionaly, the soundtrack - both Einaudi's score as well as selectedtracks - is fantastic.A lot has been written here about cast and I would just like to addthat along masterful performances of both Sy and Cluzet, the rest ofthe actors are equally great, especially Anne Le Ny and Audrey Flerot.

Martin Donker

(2013-05-04 23:44:28)

One film you should not miss

This movie is so good that we watched it twice in two days. Suchfriendship honest, true and natural is something to be jealous about inthe most positive way. A big surprise, so it needs a lot of verypositive comments because you do not want to miss this one. Althoughyou may think this is a dramatic movie, it is actually more a very warmmovie loaded with very good humor. The trailers, advertisement and alsothe Dutch tittle actually first put us of to watch this movie. Then itis also a French movie so normally that comes with a lot of not toopositive expectations. This all is easily overwon within just the firstfew minutes of the movie but gets totally shattered the longer themovie lasts.

PipAndSqueak

(2013-05-02 00:37:47)

Pragmatic

This a straight-forward and simply told tale of two men discovering amutual co-dependence based on physical need. Not what you mightsuppose! This is a tale of a poor immigrant man trying to keep heartand soul together whilst suffering various forms of social exclusionand another man trying to experience life whilst trapped in aparaplegic's body. They are poles apart ethnically, socially,culturally and pretty much every other way too. Nevertheless, the pairbond together through their common pragmatism. The wealthy invalidwants no pity and gets none from his unlikely carer. The outcast findshe has a social as well as an economic value. A heart warming tale andbeautifully performed by all the actors - striking a very authenticnote, even though we can see some 'facts' have been changed in thetelling of this tale.

vmariposa

(2013-05-01 06:04:55)

A paean to the invincibility of the human spirit

A film full of such delightful twists, surprises and fun-poking atsocietal norms that I came out refreshed and ready to embrace humanitywith all its frailties once again! The acting, above all, is superb.Not a detail is overlooked; it's a life-affirming film. If you missthis, you're a boor! :)Phillipe and his surprise choice for a caregiver, Driss, have the timeof their lives and take us with them. Every preconceived idea aboutpeople with special challenges and those from difficult backgrounds isblown to bits by the dynamics of this gem of a film. It's been aninternational hit! Don't miss it because you're too unadventurous to goto a movie that isn't in English. :)

jvdesuit1

(2013-05-01 05:10:54)

A magnificent, sensitive movie

It's not because I'm French that I appreciated this movie which I'veseen twice. Too give the really infamous appreciation of the readerfrom Toronto to the French public, qualifying us of a segregationistcountry is difficult to gulp especially coming from north America whichhas not a very glorious past on the matter even in recent years.Perhaps the commentator should see the movie "The help" to refresh hismemory... But what I'd like to say here apart of praising the fabulousinterpretation of both leading actors is to remind that this is a truestory, it did not come out from the directors and scriptwriter heads.Philippe Pozzo Di Borgo born in 51, got a dramatic para-glider accidentin the French Alps in 1993 being totally deprived of movements from thebase of his neck to the tip of his feet. 3 Years later his wife diedand he was helped out of his depression by Abdel Sellou his life-aidassistant. He published his terrible story in 2001 under the title "thesecond breath" (in French "Le second soufflГѓВ©"). The directors have hadthe compliments of Di Borgo for the way they adapted his story. If inany way this was biased he would never had accepted the film to be leftin that state. The Di Borgo family is a very old and wealthy familywhose origins goes far back in the history of France, and theirresidence in Paris is considered to be one the jewels of the capital atthe same level as The Hotel de Sully in Paris. What is shown in thefilm is exactly what happens everywhere in the world as far ashandicapped are concerned: tendency to overwhelm them with pity whichis more diminishing them as if their fate is not enough for them toswallow every minute or second each day. The way the racial problem isviewed is properly demonstrated. The police behaves in different waysdepending of the color of your skin or your country's origin and sorryto say North America is a very good example of this so perhaps is not aproper judge on this matter.The authors had the courage to state thisstraightforwardly. The film shows on the contrary how a man with a verylimited education at the beginning, a former convict, is capableprogressively to change his views, and find in himself at the same timethe good Samaritan aspects and help with humor and punch, hishandicapped boss to find a new belief in his shattered life at 42! Atthe same time the boss demonstrates an open-mindedness which was notobvious to get not only because of his handicap but because of hisorigins and his wealth at first. Let's not illusion ourselves on thematter, everywhere in the world few wealthy people would accept to haveas an aid an ex convict whichever color his skin should be! It's afantastic lesson of tolerance, and friendship. For just those reasonthis movie would deserve an Oscar or Golden Globe awards.

Jose Cruz

(2013-05-01 02:39:43)

Mediocre comedy

Its a harmless clichéd ridden comedy. Its identical to Hollywood filmsin pacing, plot and structure. Its well executed and may beentertaining for someone who doesn't have a sophisticated taste formovies.The fact that one of the main characters is quadriplegic doesn't affectthe basic plot by any measurable degree. Its a traditional story of arich guy meets a poor guy and the two become friends. The rich guylikes classical music, the poor guy likes pop music. The rich guy likesart, the poor guy, prostitutes. Etc… The cliché goes on and on. Onlysomeone who has watched few movies will be impressed by this story: itsextremely conventional.The jokes can be funny sometimes. Specially the ones where thecharacters exploit the fact that he is quadriplegic. Since one cannotfind these jokes in other comedies. But overall the film is okay, butnot good and is not worthy of being viewed in a theater.

discount1957

(2013-04-29 22:02:44)

black or white ? No really important question in this film, or elsewhere

Far too often this film is discussed within the limits of the so-called'political correctness' (why a black man instead of an Arab, as it wasin reality, and why must a black man serve a white man, etc. etc.).This film is about friendship of two very different persons, no matterif they are black or white.I think, that the black man (Omar Sy) was a very good actor in thisrole, and the white man (Francois Cluzet)was a good actor in this roleas well.And I think that racism will be no more virulent only when people areno more interested in the question if a black, yellow, white or mixedperson plays a certain role, but only in the question if he/ she playsthe role good or not.

theo-fieche

(2013-04-29 14:31:12)

friendship

Love story between two guys who need someone to support them ... Itbegins with one helping the other because of his disability and endswith the disabled helping the other to be autonomous. Yes there areseveral stereotypes, but unfortunately they aren't : in France, the"citГѓВ©s" are mostly left apart from work and help, which can lead tosituations such as the one of the character here presented ... I don'tthink the color of the actor should be taken as a main fact, this filmis about mutual exchange, not stereotypes on the color.I would recommend it since the story is well developed, and although itcan be a little long sometimes you go out of the theater thinking ...At least a French does since it is inspired of our society.

hassnawi2111

(2013-04-26 08:16:11)

Keep the good work, Omar.

My wife was frightened when I was suddenly burst laughing at Omer Sy'sspontaneous acting scenes. I enjoyed watching this masterpiece. Omar Syis a great actor and he deserves an Oscar for his role in this movie. Ifound Omar Sy's role much more challenging and unusual than JeanDujardin's... of course, few people make silent films today, but thecharacter itself was incredibly stereotypical. As for The Intouchables,I really liked the film and found it entertaining and thoughtful at thesame time .The chemistry between the two leads is wonderful. Not quiteas insufferably retro as it sounds, the formulaic film gets a boostfrom the endearing performances of its leads — particularly Sy, whoseex-con-turned-servant instructs his cultured boss on the pleasures of'70s soul classics and pot-smoking before cleaning up nicely. Theracial politics remain as sketchy as the sitcom-style jokes, and HarveyWeinstein smells a hit, having bought both the movie and, alas, therights to remake.

Harry T. Yung

(2013-04-25 13:12:50)

Generous with joy

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.