The Intouchables (2011)

Okay, if you live in the United States or at least not in Europe you have probably not heard about this one yet. It will go into limited release on May 25th 2012 in the US, so if you can find it anywhere near you it might be worth checking out. "Intouchables" is a warm-hearted french indie-comedy written and directed in teamwork by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. Two adorable lead actors are responsible for the film to work out really well even though the premise is quite clichéd.

It is essentially a two-man show with two very different character types put together. One of the protagonists is an older, sincere and wealthy gentleman, the other one is a young, energetic, extroverted guy from the suburbs.
Phillipe, the rich, is played by François Cluzet in a very discreet and controlled but also affecting performance. He is disabled and tied to a wheel chair and searching for a new caretaker. Driss (the very charismatic Omar Sy) is unemployed and shows up at the audition for the job at Phillipe's house primarily to get the certification for the job center signed so that he will recieve further financial help. But, unexpectedly, Phillipe chooses him.

The introduction to the film is a little short and they are going for the real stuff right away. I wished they had spent a little more time for exposition here but at least we don't have to wait for the funny parts.

For the time to come, Driss has to assist Phillipe with all the daily trouble. At first this new situation is a little weird to Driss. There are some genuinly funny incidents going on. Driss is also joking around with the disabled man and ripping him off a little but the film is never mean-spirited. Instead aside from the gags it has some profundity to it especially when it comes to how to treat handicapped people. Phillipe explicitly stated that he chose Driss because he does not want to be pitied. Their relationship enriches both of their lives. Though Driss has a very vivid temper he is also a very honest and reliable person. Eventually Driss has to support his new buddy not only physically but also help him break out of a mental misery.

In general terms the film is about the true value of life, love and friendship.
It is a very endearing story that is able to evoke a lot of joy and empathy in both the film and the viewer.

There are some minor flaws in the script. In the end the film is more about Phillipe than it is about Driss. The latter is the kind supporter to restore Phillipe's life and joy. He also helps himself with it by embracing his positive side. But I think the film fails to fully round up Driss' story. In very brief sequences we get a little idea of Driss' background and what his life is like.
The films hints at the problems with his poor family who live all together in a small apartment. The parents are supposedly divorced. The mother has to take care of the children on her own and there is a conflict between her and Driss. On top of that he probably also has or had criminal activities going on and his brother runs the risk of going down the same path.
I would have liked to see more of that, but especially the brother's character should not have appeared later in the film. Some of it is way too brief to add up anything to the story and they should have either explored that further - probably not possible considering the running time and the tone of the film - or better: leave that out completely.

But first of all this is meant to be a comedy and it is often very funny, not dumb and comes across very natural, with good timing and the heart in the right place.