Movie – The Intouchables

Boogie Wonderland

This was my first choice of film to see on the plane as I missed it at the cinema. That’s normally how I prioritise in-flight entertainment and then try to see something I’ve not come across. Actually my first choice was Lincoln, which I did have on but it just didn’t work for me on the small screen and I spent the two and a half hours falling in and out of sleep, only being alert when lunch was served.I’m glad I watched this. It’s the best film in recent weeks.Researching since, I discover it was originally released in France in 2011 and it’s been one of their most successful films in recent years. So that will explain it’s place amongst Virgin Atlantic’s listings.The story of Driss, living with his extended family in a dodgy part of Paris goes to be interviewed as a carer in the obviously wealthy, quadriplegic, Philippe’s house. All the staff live-in and Driss admires his surroundings in a how-the-other-half-live kind of way but has no intention of working here. He asks his interviewers, Philippe and his glamorous assistant (who Driss insists on making a pass at in the same cheeky chappy way as he is eyeing up the mansion) to sign a form proving he’d applied so he can be on his way.Phillipe however sees something in this likely lad and asks him to come back next day to collect the document, which will keep his unemployment cheques coming in.Next day he is startled that he is wanted on a one month trial and begins the task of dressing, cleaning, feeding and generally looking out for Philippe’s well being. And eventually a wonderful friendship is formed, despite the employer finding out about the carer’s criminal past. (He returned the Faberge egg he stole at the first interview).Driss takes care of everything from the spoilt brat of a step daughter (the mother passed away) to finding a love interest for Philippe. It’s a beautiful film in which both men learn to live in a very different way to what they’d been accustomed to. One learning to love classical music and the other ‘Boogie Wonderland’ by Earth, Wind & Fire, which was fantastically well-featured in the sound track.8½/10Smile factor 9/10