No, not Brian De Palma’s 1987 film starring Costner, Connery and De Niro. This is a French language film from 2011 that tells the story of wealthy French aristo’ and quadriplegic Philippe (François Cluzet), and his newly hired home help, Driss. Driss comes from, what you could probably say was, the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ which provides a convenient counterpoint to Philippe’s privilege.
Driss breezes into Phillipe’s life, seemingly like a proverbial breath of fresh air. He doesn’t coddle Philippe , or treat him like a china doll that might break, and Philippe responds well to the freedom that Driss’ approach offers him.
Philippe and Driss enjoying a smoke
Now, if this film hadn’t been based on a true story, I’d have to say that premise seems clichéd and tired. But it is based on a true story, so I’m not sure you can really say that. It can be a tad twee and heavy-handed at times, but the two leads are great, and it remains a charming and bitter-sweet story of an unlikely friendship, that’s best enjoyed if you don’t analyse it for messages about race or class.
Score: 7/10
filmnerdblog 
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I don’t know about this one….
Yeah, probably not your cup of tea. There are no tits.
*Ahem*
Tut tut. Did you see what I wrote about Coherence?
*Ahem*
Just read it now, I’m a bit behind since my boyfriend commandeered my laptop because his Mac packed up.
Sounds like you really liked it. It must be good if you liked it so much without blood OR boobs. Now this, I have to see!
Oh and to be fair, I still don’t think Untouchable would be your bag.
I LOVED Coherence!! You must watch it!!
And yes, Untouchable probably is a pass 🙂
This is a beautiful film, Eric! It’s the French Shawshank. Without the prison.
Great review, Laura! I went to this at the time & definitely liked it more than you. But I’m a bit of a sucker for these “uplifting” sorts of movies. ; )
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I think I’ll stick to Bloody Bloody Bible Camp…
There’s some kinky ear-stroking in this movie…..
You’re a kinky ear stroke!!
When it finished I had the warm fuzzies, but when I thought about it there were a few things that bothered me which is why I didn’t score it higher.
I do hate when films feel contrived but I didn’t really get that feeling with this one at least – I do with most films like this (especially American ones). I should watch it again sometime & see if I feel the same way.
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