Sep 18, 2012

Untouchable [2011]


During my intense film viewing at the beginning of this month, I had the pleasure of seeing a wonderful French movie called Untouchable. It tells the real story of two men from different social classes reunited by a lovely friendship, which forms when Driss, a young man from the wrong side of the tracks, gets a job as a caretaker at the house of Philippe, a quadriplegic. Directed and written by Oliver Nakache and Eric Toledano, Untouchable is a lovely story that deserves your attention and love.

The strength and beauty of the film lies in the quality of the script, which manages to mix an emotional story of hardship and problems with the funny interaction of two totally different men. Featuring funny and silly lines from Driss and sarcastic, sometimes moving retorts from Philippe, the two carry on their shoulders the weight of the movie, and they do it wonderfully, as their chemistry is palpable and very enjoyable to watch.

Driss is a young man who grew up in a family of too many kids, who is now trying to get away and find a job. He ends up being hired as a caretaker for mister Philippe, who sees something in him, although he isn't the obvious choice. Or maybe the old man just wanted a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air and honesty around him and Driss provided that. Whilst the young guy is crazy, spontaneous and says exactly what's on his mind, with no reservations, Philippe, having been brought up in another environment, is pretentious, taciturn and hard to please. But the interesting thing is that they complete each other, as corny as it sounds- they offer to each other what they can't have or do for themselves and that leads to a great friendship. The old man teaches the young one about art and music, offering him a nice roof to live under, and Driss pushes the quadriplegic man to live life more, to dare to do more, in spite of his incapacity.

The performances are great and deserve credit. the super funny Omar Sy who maintained the easygoing and cool aspect of the script and worked perfectly with Francois Cluzet, a great French actor who shined through his supposed illness and delivered a heartfelt performance. Other worthy mentions are Anne Le Ny as Yvonne, one of the helpers in the house and Audrey Fleurot as Magalie, the young, beautiful assistant that Driss has a crush on.

I don't usually watch a lot of foreign, or more specifically, French movies, but Untouchable is worth every penny spent and minutes wasted seeing it. Its warmth, funny lines and wonderful performances make this film an unmissable one- you should see it, it will brighten up your day and make you laugh multiple times.

18 comments:

  1. Great film! I've got an interview with the directors tomorrow! Super exciting!

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    1. That's great, have fun! Let me know how it went!

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  2. Nice! My first foreign movie in Theater and I loved it. I loved the amount of humor in it, without loosing the seriousness of the subject. I hear it is their Oscar submission in foreign film category. That will be great.

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    1. I saw it in cinemas, too! And yes, it is France's Oscar submission!

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  3. When this movie came out where I live, there was just this immense hype and everyone had to see it - which is really rare in our town.
    And what can I say, it really deserves all the praise.

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    1. I heard it broke a lot of box office records especially in France, but also around Europe. Nice to hear about that, it deserves the love!

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  4. Glad to read more good things about this film. I definitely want to see it when it comes out on DVD.

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    1. Not in cinemas? anyway, check it out on DVD or Netflix or something, it's really good!

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    2. I don't think it will be playing near me. If it eventually does, I'll do my best to see it on the big screen. :)

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  5. Nice review! This really was a feel good, perfectly cute movie. It hasn't really stuck with me, but, like you, I enjoyed every minute I spent watching it.

    Wonder if it'll get the Oscar nom.

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    1. It didn't really stuck with me, either, but I have fond memories about it and I remember laughing my ass off in one of the scenes. It's a really sweet, funny movie! It is the French Oscar foreign film submission!

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    2. Yep I heard that a few days ago. I'm sure it'll get a nom, especially with the Weinstein's backing it. But a win... I dunno.

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  6. Wonderful review! I've been meaning to see that for a while now, I'm definetly going to try to see it soon. I've been looking for nice, optimistic, warm movie.

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    1. Definitely try seeing it soon, it's a very enjoyable film and I think you will like it!

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  7. Sounds like a good one, I just read another glowing review of this yesterday.

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  8. This sounds like a unique, wonderful movie. Lovely review, Diana!

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    1. Thanks Stephanie! I hope you'll get to see it, too, soon!

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