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.
