Directed by French filmmakers Nakache and Toledano, Intouchables tells the story of two people and two worlds too far apart to ever meet—yet somehow they do, and they touch each other's lives in unexpected ways.
On one side of the divide: Philippe, a wealthy Parisian living in the lap of luxury who became a quadriplegic after a paragliding accident. On the other: Driss, a young man of color living in poverty and crime. Against all odds—and against his own instincts, since he has no interest in work—Driss is hired by Philippe as his personal caregiver. The gulf between their worlds seems impossible to bridge. But gradually, through a kind of complicity born of their differences, they discover friendship and a new taste for living.
The story itself is simple and travels familiar narrative ground, making parts of the film predictable. The filmmaking is straightforward too. After an opening scene of the two racing through Paris at breakneck speed, the rest unfolds as a long flashback, told in linear fashion.
So what makes this film matter? Precisely that simplicity and its extraordinary truthfulness. Friendship. Comedy. An encounter that changes everything. The breaking of rules. The hope of transformation. And yes, love. These are themes that belong to all of us, that we recognize and enjoy, that speak to who we are. They're paired with direction that never demands too much of the viewer and two performances—François Cluzet as Philippe and Omar Sy as Driss—that feel utterly real. Together, they turn this story into something small and precious, especially knowing it was inspired by the true friendship of two actual men.
The response in France was staggering. Within two months it became the second highest-grossing film in French cinema history, inspiring an American remake. Italy saw its release on February 24 under the more commercial title Quasi amici (Almost Friends), emphasizing the improbable bond between the two men. If you missed it in theaters, the DVD and Blu-ray release arrives at the end of June.
Matteo Cinti, 2012