HomeFilmUntouchable DVD review

Untouchable DVD review

Driss (Omar Sy – Micmacs) is hired by Paul (Francois Cluzet – Tell No One), a rich aristocrat and one time thrill-seeker, who is now a quadriplegic after a para-gliding accident. Both of them struggle to comes to terms with each other, but slowly learn to trust and help one another despite their different backgrounds. Paul and Driss find that friendship doesn’t happen overnight, but once starts it’s a wonderful thing to have.

Untouchable is based on a true story, which can be difficult to translate onto film. But everyone involved should be incredibly pleased with themselves as this is one of the most heart-warming films we have seen. It never focuses solely one of person’s problems and instead it manages to intertwine both stories to make them relevant to each other. From the initial reactions of Paul finding out about Driss’s home life, right through to Driss introducing Paul to modern music, these themes are well addressed in the film.

Where Untouchable truly stands out is the charisma between the two central leads. Either of them on their own are very enigmatic but when joined together is gives the film a magical and beautiful style that we haven’t seen for a long time. They are both very upbeat and constantly laughing and joking with each other, which releases the tension on such a sensitive subject. Driss’s constantly chatting up of Paul’s assistant Magalie is exquisitely played out and a constant source of amusement.

Untouchable is a triumph, it pulls at the heart strings with one hand yet makes you constantly laugh with the other. With shades of Scent Of A Woman and Amelie, it’s all about the interaction between the two leads that makes this film one not to be missed.

 

Mark Searby
Mark Searby
Film critic for BBC Local Radio. Author of Al Pacino: The Movies Behind The Man. Addict of The Wire. Long-suffering supporter of NFFC.

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