Late last spring I read a good review in the NYT of a then new movie from France titled “Intouchables.” Since it was a foreign movie, it didn’t get to any of the local theaters for any length of time. Finally, it was released on DVD.
Although some reviewers called it mindless and racist, I disagree. All the characters, black or white, have back stories that are truthfully told. Wealthy Frenchman, Philippe is injured in a gliding accident. As a result he becomes a quadriplegic. The story is told in flashback. The opening scene involved a car chase through the streets of Paris. No Philippe wasn’t driving. His health care aide, Driss, was driving Philippe’s Maserati. The plot then goes back in time to the day Driss was hired as Philippe’s aide.
Driss was very different from all the other applicants for this job. They had degrees and experience. Driss just applied for the job to be eligible for a stipend from the government. Work isn’t really for him. Hanging out on the streets has more appeal. Philippe hires him because he knew that Driss would not view him with pity. At this point it sounds like the plot is pure fantasy and very banal. Actually the movie is based on a true story.
What really makes this a good movie is the acting. Francois Cluzet, a veteran French actor, and Omar Sy make their characters come alive. Driss has no pity for Philippe and never lets Philippe’s handicap interfere with life. Philippe, of course, also affects the way Driss lives his life. A strong bond develops between these men that rings true. A story with warmth set in Paris–what else can you ask for.