OK for kids 16+
Sweet French drama about unlikely friendship has some edge.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Intouchables is an award-winning French drama based on the true story of a wealthy quadriplegic and his down-and-out personal aide. Like most odd-couple stories, the drama includes worthwhile lessons about friendship being deeper than the superficial differences that divide people (in this case, race, wealth, education, and physical ability). It's subtitled, but there are about 10 translated uses of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "a--hole," and other insults. There are several references to sex, an ongoing comedic flirtation between a man and an uninterested woman, and plenty of cigarettes, wine, and even some marijuana -- used both medicinally and for leisure.
- Families can talk about what The Intouchables teaches about disability. Why was Philippe happier with Driss as an aide than the other, more objectively qualified assistants? How did Driss treat Philippe differently than the others?
- Some critics have said the story dismisses any deep exploration of the differences (particularly race and class) between the two men. Do you agree?
- How does the movie portray smoking? How is it different in that regard than an American movie?
The good stuff
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Messages: The Intouchables offers valuable reminders about how you can't assume anything about anyone regardless of their wealth, education, or physical abilities. Philippe and Driss' trusting, open relationship proves that race, status, and disability don't have to be obstacles to understanding and unconditional friendship. Disability also doesn't have to stop a person from finding love.
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Role models: Even though they're employer and employee and of different socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, Philippe and Driss grow to respect and love each other, and each changes the other. Their odd-couple relationship transcends superficial differences and becomes based on their mutual ability to see beyond what others see in them.
What to watch for
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Violence: Driss intimidates a couple of guys (one of them a teen) by shoving them against a wall and getting in their face. The police -- with guns drawn -- handcuff and act rough with Driss until they notice Philippe in the car. Driss' younger brother is under a drug dealer's thumb. An older woman slaps a younger man. At one point, Philippe, a quadriplegic, looks like he's in distress and even about to die.
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Sex: A man shamelessly flirts with and propositions an uninterested woman, who sometimes plays along by unbuttoning her top a few buttons while the man disrobes down to his underwear. Bikini-clad "massage therapists" (prostitutes) have to be told not try to go below the waist. Teenagers make out until they're interrupted. A woman who's revealed to be a lesbian suggests a "threesome" but is doing it as a joke.
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Language: The movie is subtitled, so only French speakers will understand the spoken curse words. But in the subtitles, there are about 10 uses of "f--k" and even more of "s--t," as well as "a--hole," "ass," and insults like "moron," "idiot, " "insane," "jerk," "crazy," and the occasional religious exclamation.
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Consumerism: A Maserati is prominently featured and driven. An iPod makes an appearance in a couple of scenes, as does a Kangol hat.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The movie takes place in France, where smoking cigarettes is still very common. Several characters smoke them, and adults are also shown smoking marijuana. Wine and cocktails are shown at every meal or party, and a teen girl purposely combines anti-diarrhea medication with painkillers after she's dumped (she's OK, though). A sick man takes many prescription drugs and uses pot to help with his appetite. A teen boy is arrested for marijuana possession.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
INTOUCHABLES by rwnyc7711
Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable movies of the last decade. No exaggeration! This ranks as the second highest grossing film in French cinematic history but surprisingly, the US reviews have been very mixed. This extremely well-written screenplay mixes as much humor as we have seen in several years with a poignancy and tenderness that is also very heartwarming. Do not hesitate for a minute if you want to thoroughly enjoy yourself.
5
heartwarming by monsita1910
heartwarming, inspiring. for those who say this is an "uncle tom" movie, they are missing the point. these two characters are full of flaws and virtues and certainly were able to learn from each other and contribute to each other's happiness. the supporting characters also are excellent, both in their acting and what they contribute to the human spirit. the cinematography as well as the music are beautiful. highly highly recommend it.
5
This is life! by jshama711
It was a special movie about human connection and the impact we can have on people.
5
Critics are so wrong! by webronze
The Intouchables is an absolute breath of fresh air! No special effects, this is a human movie about two human beings that come together to enrich each others lives. When I saw this movie, I did not think of racial divides and was not offended at all because I do not see color. I see people and that is just the way it should be. The critics that have left their negative reviews here are over thinking this movie. I do not believe that there was an iota of racism in this movie. Just a wonderful, funny, uplifting story of humanity. Please go and you will come out of the theater feeling good, something that many movies lack these days - happiness and hope.
5
Awesome by solyr77
Best movie I have seen in a very long time, I laughed, I cried, it was really meaningful... Worth going to see it again n owning on DVD
5
Love it a lot!!!! by aksenovya
Great Movie! Simply awesome! It really touched me..Must see!!!
5
The Intouchables by wkr@themovies
Loved it...loved the feeling i had coming out. I laughed ....the theatre laughed and we all applauded at the end. Try to not miss it. True story about the wonder of friendship.
5
A film almost everyone should see! by pbgrapes
This film was recommended by a friend who's opinion we value on all things artistic and aesthetic. We adored it. I felt as though I had spent the afternoon with good friends, with interesting backgrounds, and whose joie de vivre is infectious. I wanted to stay for the next show, but my wife insisted that we had other pressing matters. Good news though - our daughter is coming home tomorrow, and she wants to see it with us! Ca gaz, ca roule!
5
WORTHY OF COUNTLESS VIEWINGS! by Peneflix
Without a doubt the finest film of 2012.... It conquers, surpasses, breaks the barometer of perfection. Based on a true story combining pathos, pain, humor, levity but primarily a portrait of love, acceptance, inclusiveness; it sings and dances joyously to your spirit; rarely do you leave a film feeling enriched, enhanced, a better person because you have been privy, blessed in witnessing the transformative power of friendship; friendship that gloriously transcends race, class, education...."The Intouchables" touches sensitively on the vicissitudes of being completely dependent on another human being; what most of us take for granted eating, bathing, dressing, Philippe, needs, relies on Driss. Brilliantly depicted, without a fraction of bleeding histrionics , these challenges are met without loss of dignity; acceptance, without whining or ruing one's fate.
I truly loved this rousing, exhilarating, harmonious portrayal of incandescent happiness.
for full review visit peneflix.com