If you’re in the mood for a good — some say even unforgettable — French movie, there’s something in Hulu for you this January. The streaming platform addedThe Intouchablesto its catalog, a 2011 comedy-drama that was nominated for several awards back when it premiered, includingthe BAFTAs. Led by French starsOmar Sy(The Killer) andFrançois Cluzet(Mascarade), the movie has a powerful message but also features some laugh-out-loud moments.
The Intouchablestells the story of two wildly different individuals whose paths cross. Philippe (Cluzet) is a wealthy quadriplegic who is looking for a live-in caregiver. One of the candidates for the job is Driss (Sy), a younger man who doesn’t have much perspective in life. However, Driss ends up landing the job because of his different approach to Philippe — he’s the first person who doesn’t look at the man with pity, but rather treats him like he’d treat anyone else. The duo ends up forming a strong bond, and their friendship is whatdrives the entire story.
Made with a relatively small budget (about $10 million after conversion from Euro),The Intouchableswas a massive hit that raked in several times its cost. It made $426 million worldwide, which made it one of the highest-grossing French films ever. It was also immensely praised, and currently holdsa 76% approval scoreonRotten Tomatoes. Critics likeDaily Telegraph’sRobbie Collinwrote that while “this is not a film that will change the whole world,” its qualities “just might charm it.”
Is ‘The Intouchables’ Based On a True Story?
While it may seem like a typical storytailor-made for the screen,The Intouchableswas based on real events. It was helmed by duo of directorsOlivier NakacheandÉric Toledano, who also directedSambaandC’est La Vie!. They co-wrote the script, which was nominated in theBest Original Screenplaycategory at the César Awards — considered the French Oscars. The movie was also nominated in seven other categories, including Best Film and Best Actor for Cluzet and Sy, and Sy took the prize home.
The Intouchableswas so popular and told such a powerful story that it was remade three times. In the U.S., the remake is calledThe Upside, and it starsBryan Cranston(Breaking Bad),Kevin Hart(Borderlands) andNicole Kidman(Babygirl). It was directed byNeil Burger(The Marsh King’s Daughter), and even though it didn’t reach the massive numbers that the original French movie did,The Upsidehad a solid box office performance that raked in over $125 million worldwide.
The Intouchablesis available to stream on Hulu. You can check out the trailer above.
The Intouchables
watch on hulu
