"The Intouchables" Hitting the Spot


     Is there a correlation between being a quadriplegic and being rich, because I've watched two films about rich quadriplegic's already, and while they were completely different in tone, it's kind of weird how multiple films have been made about them, like Me Before You and The Intouchables. And while I may have not cried at the end of this film, I can safely say that both, leave viewers with the imparting message of learning to live, grow and let go. Without a doubt in my mind, I do think this is one of the non-English films, I've watched ever. 

    I remember when I first watched this film, skeptical of whether or not I'd even enjoy it. I mean how many times have you been forced to watch a film in class and instead of enjoying what's being presented to you you just think about the subsequent homework that will stem from this viewing? Yes, while you might think Driss and his humour is juvenile I can safely say that my friends and I burst out laughing at some of the scenes in this movie, blown away by just the pure chemistry and joy displayed between Omar Sy and François Cluzet. 

    Omar Sy especially was what I felt was the driving force behind this movie because without his on-screen charisma, some of the more questionable scenes in this film would have had me staring at the screen with horror. Frankly, my only complains with The Intouchables are the few questionable topics and how they're handled, such as the ""teenage suicide""(put in major air quotes) and the borderline harassment level flirting. Though frankly they weren't too egregious in my mind and with how much I love this film I wouldn't let it ruin the rest of it for me.

    Some might say Driss' language and behaviour during the beginning of his relationship with Philippe may be ableist but to me that's kind of the point? While yes, he does forget Philippe's impairment at times, this ability to treat him like a normal human being and not some fragile glass trophy which could shatter at any second is what makes them special, as Philippe said there's no pity between the two. Even in Me Before You, the other rich paraplegic film I've seen the message is about "dying with dignity" and ending life on your own terms but in The Intouchables, it's about living with dignity and the indomitable human spirit that lies dormant within all of us.

    I understand, there's no profound life changing message in this film, and it certainly doesn't reinvent anything, but the pure joy you get from watching the onscreen relationship is undeniable. I laughed when Driss saw the ridiculous tree man sing in German, and when Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind, Fire came on you can bet I was itching to dance along with the rest of the cast. This film simply has that perfect blend of human perseverance and feel good comedy that hits you in the right spot and is impossible to ignore.

Final Score: 85/100

    It's not Shawshank Redemption and it won't change your worldview on quadriplegic's but it doesn't need to. With high replay value The Intouchables is one of those films that you can put on and enjoy as you watch a feel good positive movie about the ability for humans to connect with each other. It may not be the longest movie out there but it just makes great use of the time it is given and I find it difficult to rate it any lower than I did.

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