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DVD Review: Untouchable (French Cinema)

Untouchable [DVD]

Five words from the blurb: Paris, slum, quadriplegic, wealthy, adventure

I don’t normally review films on this blog, but I don’t often watch ones that are as good as this! Untouchable is funny, but moving; entertaining, but with a deeper message beneath the surface. It is made even more wonderful by the fact that it is based on a true story.

Untouchable begins in Paris with Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, interviewing for the position of his carer. Driss, a poor Sengalese man, is only attending the interview in order to get his benefit book stamped, but Philippe loves his attitude and hires him on the spot. The pair form an unlikely friendship, with Driss injecting fun and adventure back into Phillipe’s life.

The acting was flawless and the chemistry between the two characters was heart-warming to watch. It is rare to see male friendship investigated on screen and I think we could all learn a lot from their interactions.

I loved the way the film highlighted the problem of society looking down on disabled people, assuming they are stupid and of no value. The way it contrasted these issues with the problems faced by those living in poverty was cleverly done. It somehow managed to avoid being condescending, simply showing how important it is to make the most of what we have.

There was a lot of bad language, but it was an accurate portrayal of the people involved and never felt gratuitous. Scenes of a sexual nature wre minimal, but there was a touching love story that added an extra dimension to the emotional rollercoaster.

There were some sad moments in the film, but the majority was uplifting and I ended it with a massive grin on my face. It’s the best thing I’ve watched in ages.

Highly recommended.

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Have you seen Untouchable?

Did you enjoy it as much as I did?

10 replies on “DVD Review: Untouchable (French Cinema)”

We just watched this a couple of weeks ago on Netflix. We absolutely adored it. It was just a FEEL GOOD movie. I was waiting for someone to die or something but was relieved that it was just a good story. Great acting, and it was also hilarious!

Also I thought it was curious that over here, the movie is called “The Intouchables”. I’m not sure why they changed the name, except maybe because there have been movies already made called “The Untouchables”??? Not sure.

Sandy, I’m so pleased that you’ve already experienced the delight of this film. It is interesting to hear it is called ‘The Intouchables’ in the US. Is that even a word? In the end it doesn’t matter – it is fantastic, whatever the title!

I loved this too. I watched the French version, the original. Or is that the same one you watched? Did you know that it’s based on a real life story? There’s even a book now.

Judith, I didn’t know there was a book. Not sure I want to read it now I’ve seen the film, but it is nice to know that the story is spreading to more people. I think I saw the original )French, with subtitles) but you’re never really sure if they’ve changed things for the different audience 🙁

A DVD rec. That’s interesting Jackie. I’m still lounging around waiting for some miracle to get me reading again. Maybe I’ll watch DVDs instead for a while.
I had heard wonderful things about this one but had completely forgotten about it.

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