Directed by: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
Released: 2012
Country: France
Main cast: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Clotilde Mollet, Audrey Fleurot
Genres: Comedy Drama
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Review
Friendship and company plays a very important role in our life. That's exactly what The Intouchables, directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, deals with. Friendship is the main theme of the movie.
Of course, ''The Intouchables'' is a wonderful motion picture, but it's slightly overrated, I think. But more of that later; first of all, let me speak something in it's favor! ''The Intouchables'' is a heartwarming tale of friendship, and though it is slightly cliched and slightly predictable, it is a powerful and skillfully made motion picture; a beautiful film, to tell the truth.
Phillipe is a very wealthy but paralyzed man who needs somebody to take care of him. Among the people who have come for the interview, there is a black man named Driss, who is with a little rough attitude. Nevertheless, Phillipe takes him for trial. Driss is amazed to stay in the lavish and big house of Phillipe. In course of time, a beautiful friendship develop between the two people. With this friendship, both of them rediscover the beauty of life.
While Driss is, without a doubt, not an excellent person, we always do feel a bit of sympathy for him. He has just been released from prison after six months, as he had stolen jewelry. His aunt, with whom he lives, orders him to get out of the house. That's an emotional scene. In attitude he is quite rough, but however, he is not hot-tempered. Though initially irritated for what he has to do for Phillipe, the friendship that gradually develops between them is wonderful; it leads him do so many things that make Phillipe's life enjoyable, that makes Phillipe find company. It helps him to understand the beauty of life.
The friendship also helps Driss to acquire many virtues and human qualities. His background story is revealed in course of the movie. Omar Sy plays his role so well that it seems that the character is brought to life.
Phillipe, played excellently by François Cluzet, is just as wonderful. He is paralyzed and is very wealthy. He appreciates music and art. His background is also revealed later. Just as Driss's company makes Phillipe's life entertaining, similarly Phillipe also helps Driss to enjoy his life as well.
Basically, the film is both comedic and dramatic. But however, it never gets overly sentimental. That's a wonderful thing that I liked about this film.
The film is full with wit. Some mentionable funny scenes include when Driss applies foot cream in Phillipe's hair, mistaking it for shampoo. Another hilarious scene is when Driss threatens a neighbor not to park his car in front of the gate of Phillipe's home. Loads of funny incidents are scattered throughout that gives a laugh. Driss's flirtations with Phillipe's secretary Magalie (played by Audrey Fleurot) is also quite hilarious. Magalie keeps resisting Driss's attempts to seduce her. Magalie turns out to be, in fact... well, that would be a spoiler; I won't reveal that!
Oh well, if I continue mentioning the humors, it would become a long list, so let's go to another topic.
The movie's background music is generally subtle and gentle. Music has an important role in this film. Phillipe appreciates classical musics, which Driss does not.
The film has lots of pretty scenes. Some of the early pretty scenes: After Driss's aunt orders him to get out of the house, we see him getting out of the house, chatting grimly with friends, riding on vehicles. Soon, the sun rises. It is morning. Driss is walking on the streets. This may sound simple, but these scenes are shot so wonderfully, with the subtle background music, and how wonderfully it is shot- oh, it can't be explained in words!
This is a well-made good film. Not without flaws, but it is an impressive film that is heartwarming and will bring a smile. It is a gentle comedy-drama dealing with friendship, and with the beauty of life.
3.5 out of 5!
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