This feel-good French fairy story with its funny hybrid
title is about a pair of ‘untouchables’.
One is Philipe a very wealthy Parisian aristocrat who is now paralyzed
from the neck down after a paragliding accident, and the other is Driss an African immigrant
newly released from jail and living in the projects who unwittingly becomes
Philipe’s carer. Driss had only reluctantly
turned up to interview for the position just so that when his inane application
was rejected he could qualify for Welfare Benefits. However something in his cocky demeanor appealed to Philipe who wanted to move on from all the do-gooding nurses who just patronize
and pity him.
Over time a real tight bond develops between this
refined elegant man and this handsome giant of a man from the ‘hood’: each
recognizing a need in the other that they can and do fulfill albeit by
unconventional means. Driss’s energy and
passion, as crude as it is, transforms the boring daily grind of man who can do
nothing at all for himself, and in turn he is exposed to people and a culture
that is alien to him but starts to rub off his rough corners.
Even though this is based on a true story to give it a
ring of authenticity, the whole set up of privileged white man helping black
underclass is far from new, and I will admit may not sit well with
everyone. If you can see pass the
stereotyping and maybe not be too rigid (uptight?) about being completely pc
just for 100 mins., then you will appreciate that this is a truly wonderfully
funny tale of humanity and humor that will have you grinning from ear to ear
from the very first hilarious opening sequence. The chemistry between the two
lead actors is electric and make this enchanting movie so very believable and highly enjoyable. Philipe is played by veteran French actor Francois Cluzet who can steal
scenes even though he can only move his head, but the irrepressible Omar Sy
shines out as Driss and I wouldn't be at all surprised if he didn't start
collecting a few Awards for his stand-out performance.
It's been an enormous hit in France and if it wasn't for
the fact the it has subtitles which Americans hate, it would be a mega smash here
too. My tip is see it now, as I know Hollywood will remake it and not take nearly as much care in the casting, and thus lose all the subtleties of the acting and the story.
Unmissable.
★★★★★★★★★
★★★★★★★★★
