The Intouchables
Intouchables
One of the highest grossing non-English language films of all time, Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano’s The Intouchables has become a worldwide sensation. Nominated for nine Césars (France’s equivalent to the Academy Awards) and winning the Best Actor prize for its co-lead Omar Sy — beating The Artist’s Jean Dujardin — The Intouchables tells the story of the improbable bond that grows between Philippe (François Cluzet, Little White Lies, Tell No One), a wealthy quadriplegic, and Driss (Sy, Micmacs), a young offender of Senegalese descent who is hired as his live-in caregiver.
Widower Philippe lives with his teenage daughter in a luxurious Paris apartment.
When a paragliding accident leaves him paralyzed from the neck down, Philippe requires a caregiver to assist him with his daily physical needs. With the help of his assistant Magalie (Audrey Fleurot, The Women on the Sixth Floor), he interviews a number of highly qualified candidates, all of whom he subsequently rejects in favour of Driss, a recently released ex-con who has only applied for the job to ensure that he keeps getting welfare payments. Charmed by Driss’ brash self-confidence and sometimes brutal straightforwardness, the jaded Philippe finds
the young man’s lack of pity precisely what he needs in a caregiver. Thus begins an unlikely friendship, one which will change both men's lives in remarkable ways.
Based on a true story and propelled by Sy’s charismatic performance, The Intouchables is a thoroughly enjoyable culture-clash comedy about a friendship that transcends social and economic divides, effortlessly balancing gravity with buoyant, effervescent humour.
CRITICAL NOTES
“The Intouchables is full of little inspirational moments — the kinds of scenes that remind us how much joy can be found on a screen." —James Berardinelli ,
REELVIEWS.com
FILM INFORMATION
Director: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Cast: François Cluzet, Omar Sy and Anne Le Ny
Year: 2011
Runtime: 112 minutes
Country: France
Language: French with English subtitles
Distributor: Alliance Films
Ratings:
ON NR /
BC NR /
AB NR /
SK NR /
MB NR /
QC NR /
Maritmes NR
SCREENING DATES