Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Movie Review: The Intouchables (2011)

France's "The Intouchables" is based on a true story and the story is told in flashback.  Driss is down on his luck and not seriously looking to get the job when he applies to be a live-in caregiver for Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic.  Driss is shocked to be given a trial for the job but quickly earns Philippe's trust even when a friend reveals Driss' checkered past.  Philippe appreciates that Driss doesn't treat him with pity but rather as an equal.  The two develop a special friendship that is sure to inspire.

While it is a bit predictable, I felt that the cast sold this story and made it into something beyond what it might have been.  There have been other films made over the years about friendship, even between caretaker/patient, but there's a chemistry among the actors and a script that manages to be both touching and funny at points.  This is a case where script, acting, direction, and cinematography seem to be on point and come together to create a film that is a really good product. 

Good, touching, and heart-warming: A-

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