 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Intouchables
- Review Date: September 13, 2012
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Sweet French drama about unlikely friendship has some edge.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
The award-winning French drama THE INTOUCHABLES is about a rich, white Parisian quadriplegic who hires a black ex-con as his live-in personal assistant. Loosely based on a true story, the story follows how paralyzed aristocrat Philippe (Francois Cluzet) gives down-and-out petty criminal Driss (Omar Sy) a chance to be his health aide, even though there are many more qualified applicants. At first, Driss is skeptical and even disgusted by some of his responsibilities (like bathroom duty), but soon enough the two very different men come to understand and respect each other -- and help each other above and beyond any employer-employee dynamic.
Is it any good?
As unlikely friendships in movies go, the one between Philippe and Driss is purely on the sweet and inspiring side. There's nothing all that complicated about their alliance. Wealthy Philippe and street Driss understand each other and can teach other the respective importance of Beethoven and Earth, Wind and Fire. Though Philippe can't drive, Driss can use his legs to drive Philippe's Maserati fast and furious, providing a thrill that Philippe thought he'd never feel again.
Although deeper issues about the socio-economic divisions that separate Philippe and Driss aren't substantively explored, The Intouchables is a fantastically acted, surprisingly funny film. It's obvious what Driss gets from being Philippe's aide (a steady income, a ridiculously beautiful place to live, and all the other luxuries that being part of Philippe's household staff offers). But it's equally obvious how Philippe benefits from the relationship: He gets a sense of spontaneity, a lust for life, and a companion without pity. It's no wonder why France selected the feel-good movie as its 2012 submission to the Academy Awards for best foreign language film.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 16 years old
October 13, 2012
AGE
Critically acclaimed French drama goes a thin line between PG-13 and R!
"The Intouchables" is a French drama based on a trues story. It was a huge success in Europe, bith financial and critical. I actually was surprised that this movie wasn't nominated for the Academy Award as "Best Foreign Language Film" since in Europe, this was the most acclaimed movie of the year.
"The Intouchables" is a witty and sweet story about a friendship between the handicapped, but wealthy Philippe and the big-mouthed african-origined Driss. While they are both minorities, they both have faced the dark side of life. The two very different people learn from each other, and a very strong friendship begins.
What makes "The Intouchables" more than just a French version of "The Odd Couple" is its original way of storytelling. It is serious and comic, both touching and funny. it is one of the few movies that doesn't focus on political correctness, but still treats everyone with respect. This is not a big budget Hollywood movie, and that what makes its charme. It lacks the structures we are used to, and brings in something new. Sometimes you don't need a plot twist or a highlight to make a movie good. If you expect a pure drama or comedy movie, you will be disappointed. But if you're open for something new, you'll be fine with this movie.
(SPOILERS may follow:)
The movie is neither violent nor sexual. There are some verbal references to sex and sensuality (a character gets aroused by getting his ears rubbed), but it is at the PG-13 level.
There is one scene in which characters smoke marijuana, but there is not much talk about it. Since i'm strictly against drugs, I don't know if this will appeal to others. But it is not that strong. Know your kid.
There are about 10 uses of the f-word (in subtitles), very infequent.
This movie goes a thin line between PG-13 and R. If there was no language, it was PG-13 for drug abuse and some mild sex references.
(END OF SPOILERS)
I think it is okay for teens and up.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 16 years old
March 25, 2013
AGE
GREAT MOVIE-ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE STUDYING FRENCH!
This is a fantastic, uplifting, movie with great messages about making the best of what you've got and never giving up. Some of the sexual references in this movie can be a bit confrounting (e.g. a man is aroused by people licking his ears) and there is a considerable amount of strong language. However, by the time your child is 15 I believe that there is nothing that they wouldn't be able to handle.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | friendship |
| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Directors: | Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache |
| Cast: | Audrey Fleurot, François Cluzet, Omar Sy |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 113 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 25, 2012 |
| DVD release date: | January 15, 2013 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language and some drug use |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
