The Intouchables is a French comedy-drama that became the second biggest box office hit in France and voted the cultural event of 2011 - to put it simply, it was quite a big deal...and to think I almost passed it over to pick The Sessions, d'ah well, thank you dear CVS employees for casually helping me make this decision: it was a good one.
It isn't hard to find stories that embody friendship, but this bond is one that is rather peculiar. For some critics, the movie bears an extreme resemblance to Driving Miss Daisy and while I can understand the comparisons, I think it's a bit deeper than that.
The story begins at present day but then jumps to a flashback to explain how the two characters, Phillipe and Driss, ended up together. As the story progresses you get to see how the two become friends with quick wit, constantly jabbing at one another, and growing together. Driss develops a better understanding of art, picks ups painting, and Phillipe learns how to truly appreciate music, the feelings it can bring forth. However, as great as it is to see the characters open up and grow, my favorite parts of the movie are the simple acts of tenderness that push it forward.
Phillipe, a paraplegic, is wheelchair bound and in need of a caretaker and Driss ultimately ends up being his guy. It is an uncanny combination because most would assume that someone in his state would need someone more qualified, or at least more gentle, with him, however it is Driss' attitude and pushing that help guide Phillipe to having a better, happier home life.
For Driss, the benefit was being able to jumpstart his life. He was able to get a taste of the privileged life and get in touch with some of his own talents, learning to appreciate art and classical music even more. Additionally, through the job he was able to get references to move forward with his next stage in life.
One thing that many people expect is with a movie where you have an old white man being taken care of by a young black man, he'll die, leave everything to the young man, and then life moves on, but this movie takes the other trope: old rich white man learns to live from young poor black man...but it does it so beautifully while creating what feels like an authentic bond that it doesn't feel so contrived. The interactions seem real which is a lovely thing.
All that being said, I think the movie is fantastic, so if you don't mind having to read subtitles - totally didn't mention the whole thing is in French...my bad - I say grab it from your Redbox and enjoy!
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