Untouchable [DVD] (2011)

Description

Product Description French comedy drama charting an unusual friendship. Paul (François Cluzet), a rich aristocrat and habitual thrill-seeker, becomes quadriplegic after a paragliding accident. Alone in the world and unable to care for himself in even the most basic ways, Paul employs young Senegalese émigré Driss (Omar Sy) as his carer. Despite their very different backgrounds and outlooks on life, the two men quickly form a strong bond, teaching each other important life lessons about acceptance, respect and the true meaning of friendship in the process. desertcart.co.uk Review Driss (Omar Sy), a Senegalese man living in a Paris slum, applies for a job as caretaker to a wealthy quadriplegic, but all he wants is to get his paper stamped so he can get benefits. Despite his lack of qualifications, he lands the job because of his attitude: Philippe (François Cluzet), the quadriplegic, wants a caretaker who will look at him without pity. As Driss reluctantly learns to move, feed, and clean Philippe, the two men discover a blunt but vital humour that not only bridges the cultural and class divide between them, but gives Philippe a renewed joy in life. It's easy to see what made Untouchable such a massive success in France; the movie has the sweet sincerity and uplifting conclusion that make for a classic feel-good experience. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, and Sy--who won the French equivalent of the Oscar for his role--is a dynamic and charismatic performer, while Cluzet's understated performance conveys Philippe's frustrations. The movie doesn't dig too deeply into the struggles of life as a quadriplegic or the struggles of life among the inner-city poor, so when Untouchable ends it's not likely to leave a lasting impression, but that doesn't get in the way of its immediate charm and warmth. --Bret Fetzer