Review: The Intouchables (French) a refreshing take on clichéd topic

Film: The Intouchables (French)
Director: Olivier Nakache
Cast: François Cluzet, Omar Sy
Rating: ***1/2

The Intouchables, a true story, is about a millionaire quadriplegic named Philippe (François Cluzet) and his caretaker Driss (Omar Sy). Driss a brash unemployed 20-something is unwilling at first to take up the job and Philippe is apprehensive about giving him the position but as the film progresses, an unlikely friendship is formed and a beautiful heart-warming bond develops between the two. Driss teaches Philippe to lighten up and have some fun in life despite being paralysed from neck-down and Philippe returns the favour by teaching the care-free Driss the importance of responsibility.

Now the factor that is supposed to give this story some depth is that Philippe is a white privileged male living in a mansion, while Driss is a black hoodlum who steps from a background of poverty and family problems. The plot is not un-common, in fact it’s a cliché (or a classic, depending on how you look at it).

What sets Intouchables apart is Nakache’s treatment of it. The film rises above the usual tear-jerker, sappy flick full of commonplace dialogues and proves to be a refreshing take.

Driss’ character is nothing short of hilarious. His idea of compassion may not be in sync with the others but it’s there, he just shows it in different ways, like letting Philippe take a hit from a joint to help loosen him up, or hiring hookers to pleasure him. Driss flirts with Magalie (Philippe’s secretary), makes fun of his handicap, makes him listen to funky music instead of classical, while Philippe, who comes across as an uptight aristocrat and is treated like one, gives in to all of it and has a hell of a time.

Philippe really just needs a friend instead of someone who would pity him and finds that in Driss. Philippe helps him out in his own little ways, like selling a useless painting made by Driss for 11,000 pounds.

Cluzet and Sy’s performances play the biggest role in making this film what it is. Sy is hilarious and Cluzet is flawless. Together, their chemistry works like magic. The rest of the ensemble hold their ends up well.

The Intouchables is full of moments that will warm your heart, but it keeps unnecessary drama to a minimum. The humour is inappropriate and politically incorrect. But instead of making you angry it will have you laughing hysterically. The idea of being “cultured”  too is ridiculed with a piece of art worth thousands being called a “nosebleed on a canvas”.

The racial stereotypes and the class differences portrayed in the film are regressive and will make many cringe. Yet you will smile, laugh, wipe away a tear from the corner of your eye and fall in love with the characters.

You know how it’s going to go, but this one is worth watching anyway.