Intouchables

C’est magnifique de simplicité et d’honnêteté -

Begins with a black Maserati Quattroporte GTS roaring his ferocious engine sound in the city of Paris at night. Inside the car, the driver bet that he could lose the police chase behind them. It’s truly unexpectedly dashing opening scene with great lighting, great editing, and a beautiful score.  If I must say it is one of the coolest opening scene I’ve ever saw in film, and yeah I’m a Petrol-head and a big fan of Earth, Wind and Fire.

The film is adapted based on a true story about friendship between a vastly wealthy quadriplegic man Philippe (François Cluzet) and Driss (Omar Sy). Driss is a young offender turns up for an interview, but he is not really looking to get the job, he’s only looking for Philippe autograph as evidence to state that he had been trying to come to look for work. Unfortunately Driss life is not as loaded as Philippe’s life, he lives in a small apartment with all of his big family. Driss is also a failed robber, going through the motions and playing the stereotypical jobless immigrant. Philippe is a romantic and melancholy mind trapped in a paralyze body.

I assure that this isn’t a dramatic and poignant film that covers you in a pool of tears, but it’s an honest story about friendship and the circumstances that bring them together and furthermore an awkward relationship quickly blossoms as they bring out the best in each other. The film’s simplicity is delightful and even boost the essence of the story even more. Although Driss comic timing will have you in stitches, but it is his honesty and vulnerability that make you fall in love with the character. Philippe isn’t your typical miserable-sad-sack, instead, much of the finest pleasures in the film consist in watching him use his keen mind to mess with the world around him.

This is a remarkable aspect in the script written by the two directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. It’s unbelievably real, it feels real. An eye-opening message about the life endured by a handicapped person, making all the wealth in the world is pointless and the richness of heart and mind are priceless. Through Driss and Philippe’s interaction, the film explores the real needs of people in life, respect and understanding, acceptance and love. Some movies can work with a good story but they need good performances in acting, and in this film the cast have done a wonderful performance on every aspect, it’s almost impossible to determine who carried the film, both Cluzet and Sy were great.

Suffice to say this is one of the unique, beautiful and honest friendships ever committed to film. A delightful celebration of everything in life that makes it worth watching.

(read: It’s magnificent in simplicity and honesty.)