The Intouchables

“The Intouchables” is a French film written and directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. It stars Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy and tells the true story of a disabled and paralyzed man who hires a native of Senegal as a care provider. For some reason or another I had not seen the film in its initial release period but heard others constantly rave about it. Finally, realizing that its run was coming to an end, I went to see it in one of the 4 or 5 local independent movie houses still showing tt. It’s always difficult to view a film with a history of so many accolades and such positive reactions from friends and acquaintances. My exceedingly high expectations, although not totally met, were indeed catered to and, to a great extent, realized. The subject matter, as difficult as it would appear to be, is handled so well by the writer/director team and never becomes awkward or difficult to experience. In fact, the humor exhibited by both actors helps the film keep its humanity and, in the end, surprised and relieved, I  left the film with my spirits uplifted. I give the film 3 and ½ stars. One interesting note. One of the members in my group who saw the film thought it  was in English. It wasn’t but it does speak well of the film and its ability to cross sub-title lines so that one viewer, at least, couldn’t tell the difference..