Film Review #028 - The Intouchables (2011)

The Intouchables (2011) is a comedy-drama film by talented directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. The movie is based on a true story from the book "Le Second Souffle" by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and Abdel Sellou. The book tells about their time working together after Pozzo di Borgo became quadriplegic in a paragliding accident. This film strikes a unique balance between humor and drama, earning an 8/10 rating in my view. This film's strengths lie in its cinematography, music, and script, all of which contribute to its distinctive character.

The film opens with captivating cinematography, particularly notable in the car heist scenes. The director's style is reminiscent of Scorsese, with medium close-ups, point-of-view shots, and short pans, yet it maintains originality. Special techniques, such as quickly changing scenes and using different people or outfits in the same place, make the story more interesting without confusing the audience. Additionally, the inclusion of breathtaking natural landscapes enhances the visual appeal.


The soundtrack is a mix of melancholic piano and 80s music, oscillating between bittersweet and amusing tones. This dynamic range in the musical temperature significantly enhances the film's emotional impact.


The script is well-crafted, balancing witty humor with dark jokes. Humorous scenes are executed efficiently, contributing to the film's overall charm without feeling overdone.


The inclusion of dance scenes adds a vibrant layer to the film, fitting well within the comedy-drama genre. Dance scenes, in my opinion, in comedy drama movies are almost always a very good addition as it adds more contrast to the films.


The film excels in developing the main characters, Philip and Driss, making them empathetic and relatable. However, it falls short in fleshing out the side characters, lacking depth and background, which leaves them feeling somewhat distant.


The film’s ending is particularly powerful, leaving a lasting impression and evoking strong emotional responses.


In summary, The Intouchables (2011) is a film that successfully blends humor with heartfelt moments, marked by excellent cinematography and music. Despite some shortcomings in secondary character development, its main characters are well-rounded, and the script is engaging. Personally, I would watch it a second time but all in all, this movie is worth to watch.


Rating: 8/10

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