Intouchables — The Best French Movie of 2011

The Artist might be the most talked about French movie of the year but there is another French film that is on track to be France's most viewed movie—Intouchables. It is now the second highest grossing movie in France, right behind Bienvenue Chez Les Ch'tis (it was translated to "Welcome to the Sticks" in English). Some are hailing the movies as the next Amélie.

After hearing everyone in Paris talk about Intouchables my wife and I decided to catch a Sunday matinée and we were surprised that the theater was still fairly full—especially since the movie had been out for a few months. And there was the fact that the movie was in French and didn't have English subtitles—did I mention that my French is pretty terrible?

I'm happy to say that even though I didn't understand many of the fine details of the film, I still understood what was going on. It just goes to show that you can still see foreign films even if you don't speak the language. Plus, much of the comedy is slapstick so that doesn't need any translation. Luckily for the rest of the world, the DVD is released on the 28th of March and the movie will shown in theaters worldwide this Spring and I assume there will be subtitles for the movie.

The movie is based on a true story of a wealthy aristocratic quadriplegic and his underprivileged live-in caretaker from the suburbs of Paris. The movie shows how the friendship evolves and how both characters learn from each other's personalities and dispositions on life. The film also depicts many of the social and economic issues that are prevalent throughout Paris (and France).
Now, since I don't speak French well I'm going to give my quick synopsis of the movie but you'll want to see it for yourself (probably with subtitles) to discover the finer points of the movie.

The movie is based on real story of Pozzo di Borgo, an aristocrat from Paris and Abdel Sellou, an Algerian immigrant. Pozzo was the director of the Pommery champagne manufacturers when he had the paragliding accident that left him paralyzed. Abdel never thought he would become a full-time care taker—in fact, he applied to the job because it was a requirement to continue getting his unemployment payments.

Although, Abdel fit Pozzo di Borgo’s ideal profile. He was ”quick-thinking, intelligent, and free 24/7”, was capable of “acting without flinching and of taking initiative” and was ready to “drive fast and without a license.” Their friendship blossomed and even though Abdel no longer works with Pozzo, they've continued to be great friends.

Here is a video clip of Pozzo and Abdel:

 

If you find yourself in Paris you can check out movie times at allocine.fr.