The movie begins with a black guy is driving a car. Besides him sits a white guy. As they wait at a traffic signal, the Black guy suddenly breaks the lane and speeds off almost breaking the signal. The powerful engines whine as the car - a cool Maserati - picks up speed. The two men look at each other and smile. The car veers this way and that dodging other cars at breakneck speed as it hurtles away through the night on the streets of Paris. Of course, they are soon being chased by the traffic police. The black driver challenges the white guy that he can loose the police in no time. He almost makes it. But then the police finally cut him off. They make him come out of the car, but before they can apprehend him, he claims that the reason for him to drive so fast was because he was taking the white guy to Hospital. He is a quadriplegic and is having a stroke. The white guy for his part pretends that he is spasming... The police quickly release him and escort them to the Hospital, as the two friends share a hearty laugh at their expense.
Flash back to an interview. Candidates are sitting in a line. All immaculately dressed in formals. All except one. A black guy dressed in jeans, T-Shirt, jacket and sports shoes. He is Driss, the driver mentioned above - a poor unemployed young fellow. The interview is being conducted for hiring a caretaker for Philippe (the white guy in the above mentioned scene) - a rich white quadriplegic widower. Driss is not looking for employment. He is just looking for a signature claiming that he tried for a job but failed, thus making him eligible for government benefit. And he makes no effort to hide the fact. To his surprise and chagrin, Driss is offered the job... He has no choice but to accept. For he has been recently asked to leave home by his angry mother.
How did Driss survive the job taking care of the often moody Philippe? How did Philippe put up with this cocky unorthodox fellow who had no reservations to speaking out his mind? How did these two men from such diverse background become friends?
This is the story of Intouchables, a movie that became the second biggest box office hit in France. Its a comedy-drama based on a true story. A story of a rich quadriplegic who learns to hope, to enjoy to live life from his cocky, unorthodox, but full-of-life caretaker. And above all, gains a life long friend who will change his life forever.
The story is well-edited. The movie never looses pace. The script is well-crafted. The dialogue flows smoothly, never appearing awkward or contrived (at least the English subtitles didn't). The visuals as well as the dialogue manage to convey the story gracefully. The witty sparring between Philippe and Driss adds the spice to it all.
The best part of the movie is the acting. Both the lead actors - François Cluzet playing Philippe and Omar Sy portraying Driss, have acted extremely well. Especially François Cluzet - for it is no easy task to act as a quadriplegic. His acting skills are evident in his ability to convey emotions with his face alone - especially his eyes. The other actors have acted well too.
Some critics (excepts the french of course) were not very impressed by this movie, questioning what the fuss was all about? In a way I agree with them. For though it is based on a true story, some parts of it do feel contrived, which may be a let down for some who might expect more realism from it. And yet, therein lies its charm. It entertains with its lighthearted comedy. The quips that often flow between Philippe and Driss makes one laugh out loud. (This one reminds me of a similar movie "The Bucket List" - another favourite of mine). We are allowed a peek into the lives, the pains, the happy and sad memories of these two men from vastly different backgrounds. Its a feel good movie that manages to spread a happy glow as you watch and cheer the victory of life over disability and hope over despair. But above all it celebrates Friendship - a friendship that knows no bounds, that transcends beyond the boundaries of race, class or physical disability...
Mostly funny, but at times tender and serious, its a good movie that I am sure to watch and enjoy many more times.
My Ratings: 3
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