The Intouchables - Unlikely Friendship, Boundless Joy
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Release Date: November 2, 2011 (France)
Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama
Language: French
Director: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
Writer: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
Stars: François Cluzet, Omar Sy
Top Cast: François Cluzet (Philippe), Omar Sy (Driss), Anne Le Ny (Yvonne)
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Awards
The Intouchables won the César Award for Best Actor (Omar Sy), and received numerous nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. It also won Best Foreign Language Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Tokyo Grand Prix.
Synopsis of The Intouchables
The Intouchables, known in some regions as Untouchable, is a heartwarming and comedic portrayal of an unlikely friendship. Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic man, hires Driss, a carefree and unconventional ex-convict, as his caregiver. Despite their differences—Philippe’s cultured, high-society life contrasting with Driss’ rough upbringing—the two form a deep, meaningful bond. Philippe's trust in Driss grows, as Driss not only brings joy into his life but also challenges the limits Philippe had placed on himself due to his condition. The movie explores themes of human connection, resilience, and the healing power of friendship. Based on a true story, The Intouchables beautifully balances humor and poignant moments, making it a touching story that resonates universally.
Moral of the Movie
At its core, The Intouchables teaches us about the value of human dignity and the importance of compassion. It shows that friendships can transcend societal barriers like wealth, race, and disability. Driss and Philippe's relationship proves that meaningful connections come from seeing each other as equals. The film encourages us to embrace the differences that make us unique, showing that everyone, regardless of their background, has something valuable to offer. The message is simple—life is better when we face challenges together, uplift each other, and never lose our sense of humor.
What do we get to learn from the Movie?
The Intouchables celebrates the importance of friendship and how it can transform lives. Philippe and Driss have vastly different experiences, but they learn from each other, forming a brotherly bond. Philippe learns to live life beyond his physical limitations, while Driss discovers purpose and responsibility. This movie highlights how genuine connections can help people grow, heal, and find joy, no matter how difficult life gets. It’s a reminder that love, laughter, and compassion are vital to living fully and that strong bonds can exist in the most unexpected places.
Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Intouchables, you might like these movies:
- Me Before You (2016) – Drama, Romance, similar themes of disability and companionship.
- Green Book (2018) – Comedy, Drama, focusing on an unlikely friendship between a musician and his driver.
- The Upside (2017) – The English-language remake of The Intouchables, starring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston.
Where to Watch
You can stream The Intouchables on Amazon Prime, Netflix, and other major platforms. Availability may vary by region.
Prequels / Sequels
There are no direct prequels or sequels to The Intouchables, but as mentioned, it was remade in the U.S. as The Upside in 2017. The story remains essentially the same, though with cultural adjustments for an American audience.
Popularity
The Intouchables became a global success, especially in Europe, due to its feel-good nature and relatable themes. It remains one of the highest-grossing French films internationally. The universal appeal of its story—friendship, hope, and humor—resonated with diverse audiences. Its popularity is also tied to being based on true events, making it feel both authentic and inspirational.
Fun Facts
- Omar Sy became the first Black actor to win the César Award for Best Actor.
- The movie is based on the real-life friendship between Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver, Abdel Sellou.
- The film grossed over $426 million worldwide, making it one of the most successful French films ever.
- The luxury car featured in the movie is a Maserati Quattroporte.
- Most of the scenes in the movie were filmed in real locations, including Philippe’s actual mansion in Paris.
Character Highlights
- Philippe: A wealthy man left paralyzed after a paragliding accident, seeking someone who sees beyond his disability.
- Driss: A charismatic but troubled man, bringing a breath of fresh air into Philippe's life with his unorthodox ways.
- Yvonne: Philippe’s assistant, who helps balance the relationship between the two men with care and pragmatism.
Quotes
- "No arms, no chocolate!" – Driss, humorously addressing Philippe’s inability to reach for food.
- "It’s a matter of perspective." – Philippe, on the importance of how we view life’s challenges.
- "My true disability is not having to live with you." – Philippe, reflecting on his bond with Driss.
Soundtrack Information
The movie's uplifting soundtrack, composed by Ludovico Einaudi, plays a huge role in enhancing its emotional depth. Tracks like "Una Mattina" and "Fly" are particularly memorable.
Thematic Analysis
The movie’s core themes revolve around friendship, resilience, and personal growth. It beautifully portrays how deep connections can change lives, regardless of societal differences. Driss and Philippe’s bond proves that true friendship transcends race, class, and physical abilities, focusing instead on mutual respect and care.
Behind-the-Scenes
Filmed mainly in Paris, many scenes capture the grandeur of Philippe’s luxurious life, including his actual mansion. One behind-the-scenes challenge was capturing the genuine chemistry between the actors, something that clearly shines in the final product.
Adaptation
While there is no direct book adaptation, the movie is inspired by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo’s memoir, A Second Wind, detailing his life and relationship with his caregiver.
Cultural Impact
The Intouchables has been a critical and commercial success, reshaping perceptions around disabilities and bringing attention to caregiving relationships. Its influence is seen in other films that explore human connections and overcoming challenges.
Box Office Collection
The movie grossed over $426 million globally, becoming a top-grossing French film worldwide. Few films in the same category have reached this level of success.
5 Key Takeaways from the Movie
- Friendship can transcend all barriers.
- Laughter and joy are vital to healing.
- Everyone, no matter their background, has something valuable to offer.
- Life is about perspective—limitations are often mental, not physical.
- Human connection is essential for growth and happiness.
Director's Cut
Directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano wanted the film to focus on the human aspect, ensuring humor was woven throughout to prevent the film from becoming too heavy or melancholic.
Story: Breaking Barriers, Building Lives
In The Intouchables, the story begins with Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic living in Paris, seeking a new caregiver. After a paragliding accident leaves him paralyzed from the neck down, he needs help with his daily activities. However, he’s tired of people who treat him as if he's fragile or broken, so he decides to interview candidates who might bring some excitement back into his life. That’s when Driss, a brash, carefree ex-convict, walks into his home. Driss isn’t interested in the job at all—he just wants to get a signature to prove he’s applied so he can continue receiving unemployment benefits. But Philippe, intrigued by Driss’ boldness and disregard for his condition, gives him a trial run.
The film’s early moments show just how different Driss and Philippe are. Philippe lives in a lavish mansion, surrounded by classical art, music, and wealth. Driss, on the other hand, comes from a rough neighborhood and has little experience in caregiving. But what Driss lacks in professional qualifications, he makes up for with his unfiltered humor and fearless attitude. He treats Philippe like an equal, not tiptoeing around his disability. This is exactly what Philippe needs—someone who doesn’t pity him but rather pushes him to live life without limits.
As Driss begins to settle into his role as Philippe’s caretaker, their bond starts to grow. Philippe, who has been closed off from much of the world since his accident, begins to experience life again. Driss introduces him to unconventional fun, like smoking weed and engaging in light-hearted banter. He challenges Philippe’s stiff routine, playing loud music and encouraging him to push boundaries. Philippe, in turn, teaches Driss about art, culture, and responsibility. He offers Driss a new perspective on life and helps him find purpose, steering him away from his troubled past.
One of the most memorable moments in the film comes when Driss takes Philippe out of his comfort zone. They go paragliding—a callback to the accident that changed Philippe’s life. It’s a powerful scene, symbolizing Philippe’s willingness to face his fears and embrace the thrill of life again, despite his physical limitations. Driss, who initially saw Philippe’s lifestyle as distant from his own, begins to understand and appreciate the importance of companionship and care.
The film skillfully balances humor and heart. Driss’ carefree attitude brings a lot of comedic moments, like when he mocks Philippe’s love for classical music by playing Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland” at full blast. Philippe’s stoic nature is no match for Driss’ charm, and soon, the two share countless laughs. One particularly funny scene involves Driss shaving Philippe’s beard, pretending to give him an outlandish look. These moments highlight the joy and laughter that the two men bring into each other’s lives.
As the story progresses, we also see the personal struggles both characters face. Philippe feels trapped by his physical condition, frustrated by the limitations it places on him. Driss, meanwhile, grapples with his difficult family situation, including a younger brother who’s heading down a dangerous path. Despite their differences, both men understand what it feels like to be marginalized in some way—Philippe because of his disability and Driss because of his socioeconomic background.
The turning point in their relationship occurs when Driss has to leave his role as Philippe’s caretaker to deal with family matters. Without Driss, Philippe sinks into depression, withdrawing from the world once more. His health deteriorates, and he’s reminded of the isolation he felt before Driss came into his life. However, Driss, having found his purpose, eventually returns, knowing that Philippe needs him as much as he needs Philippe. The film’s final moments show the two of them embarking on another road trip together, a sign that their bond is not just professional but deeply personal. They have become family.
What makes The Intouchables so special is how it portrays this deep friendship between two men who, on the surface, have nothing in common. But through their experiences together, they help each other grow. Driss learns about responsibility, care, and the importance of genuine human connection. Philippe rediscovers his zest for life, remembering that he is more than his disability. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing the challenges of living with a disability, but it also refuses to let that define Philippe’s character.
As the movie comes to a close, we are reminded that their friendship is based on mutual respect and trust. Driss and Philippe’s relationship goes beyond the typical caregiver-patient dynamic. They bring joy, laughter, and purpose into each other’s lives. The final scene, where they drive off into the distance, leaves us with the feeling that they’ll continue to face life’s challenges together, uplifted by their unbreakable bond.
The Intouchables is a touching, light-hearted film that celebrates the power of friendship, the importance of living life to the fullest, and the beauty of human connection, no matter the circumstances.
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