The Intouchables (2011)
Maybe it is not totally fair to say that a movie based on a true story feels fake and scripted, but that was how this felt to me. Without knowing anything about the real story behind this, I somehow doubt it went down exactly like depicted here. I think it is great that it tackles the theme of disability and how to treat each other as equal with respect to any limitations, and it mostly succeeds with that goal. My problem with it is how it does with basically every “feel-good-movie”-cliche, treating the issue with kid gloves and never really going deeper into the complex emotions or issues.
I have looked at other less than positive reviews, which definitely is in the minority for this movie, an they mostly criticize the racial issues. I am not really in a place to add much to that since my perspective is limited in that regard, other than it does add to my overall sense of this being very constructed to get a certain story going with both difference in class and physical ability. Especially the class differences gets glossed over, where Driss is mostly depicted as someone adding a little “street smart” to the upper-class lifestyle.
I admit it is funny and charming in many places, but I also have a bit of an issue how it twists incredibly rude and insensitive behaviour into something that can is supposed to be cute and charming. Pushing boundaries is one thing, but that doesn’t mean that respect for consent can go completely out the window.
I can acknowledge that movie clearly wants to tell a charming, uplifting and feel good story with a heartfelt message at its core. I just felt manipulated and left with a bad taste in my mouth.
Rating: 2.5