It was a bet: to get the cop car to escort them to the emergency room.

The same cop car that was not only tailing them for reckless speeding but also suspecting the two passengers to be fleeing criminals.

Easy. Winner would get 200 euros.

Based on a true story, “The Intouchables,” a feel-good French film directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, shares the relationship between Philippe (Francois Cluzet), a wealthy invalid who is paralyzed from his neck down, and Driss (Omar Sy), his caretaker with street cred and a police record.

Having claimed the title as the second-most watched film in the history of French cinema, “The Intouchables” quickly rose in popularity with its release in France back in November.

Now, the movie that became the second-most watched film in French cinema history is making its debut in American theaters today.

When Philippe unexpectedly hires Driss to look after him as a full-time job, many of Philippe’s close friends and family are shocked by his decision to choose someone who appears so unrefined and insensitive.

However, the unexpected dynamics at play between these two characters mirror the equally unexpected moments they come to share.

In the opening scene, Philippe and Driss turn a quiet, reflective drive down the streets of Paris into a wild car chase. The two finally get cornered at a turn and are asked to get out of the car.

Phillipe stages a convincingly terrifying stroke while Driss acts enraged at their suspicion for speeding without reasonable cause.

Apologetic and shocked, the police offer to escort them to the hospital.

A smile creeps on the faces of both Philippe and Driss while the familiar melody of Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September” plays in the background as they celebrate their achievement.

Already, the movie has set a precedent as being a film that avoids being completely serious, through skillfully inserting humor without losing the rare moments of genuine emotion.

Although the film is structured around the relatively predictable storyline about the journey of their friendship, the cliches end there.

Instead, “The Intouchables” uses humor to change the tone of everyday moments.

One particularly charming moment consists of Driss shaving Phillipe’s grown-out beard and turning the simple task into a barber session, experimenting with various styles of facial hair, including Hitler’s infamous toothbrush mustache.

Sy’s ability to deliver his lines reveals the importance of well-timed dialogue in this film where the backbone is character interaction.

For audiences who have never seen a French movie, “The Intouchables” manages to dispel cultural boundaries through the story of friendship and the tribulations with physical and emotional handicaps, moments everyone can relate to.

The movie’s soundtrack also features various American jazz artists including George Benson, Nina Simone and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Both hilarious and heart-warming, “The Intouchables” manages to use narrative to create this bittersweet comedy that is sensitive without being overly cheesy.

““ Lynn Chu

Email Chu at

lchu@media.ucla.edu.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *