If Hollywood produced a film about a (white) quadriplegic millionaire who receives a lesson in joie de vivre from his new carer, a (black) petty crook from the projects — and it will, a remake is on the way — it would probably be viewed here with the particular sort of cynicism reserved for films like The Help. In its native France, however, Les Intouchables has been a huge success. François Cluzet and Omar Sy are enjoyable to watch, but after an attention-grabbing opening the story plays out in predictable fashion, and the fact that it’s based on a true story makes it no less fatuous and forgettable.
Untouchable Review
When wealthy aristocrat Philippe (Cluzet) is paralysed in an accident, he hires an ex-con (Sy) from the Parisian projects to assist him. Initially mistrusting, the pair start to form an unusual bond.
Release Date:
21 Sep 2012
Running Time:
112 minutes
Certificate:
15
Original Title:
Untouchable
It's easy to see why this had been a colossal hit in France and caught the eye of Harvey Weinstein along the way: it's undemanding, heart-warming fodder with mass appeal. Sadly, it's also predictable and its big emotional beats are often harder to stomach than an overripe brie.
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