"Cherished Friendship" - Warm Hearted Tale Delights
The heart-warming film "The Intouchables," set to air on ARD channel One on July 17 at 8:15 PM, is a poignant tale of an unlikely friendship that has captivated audiences worldwide. The film, based on a true story, stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy in outstanding performances that have left viewers in awe.
At its core, "The Intouchables" focuses on the friendship between two men who couldn't be more different. Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy aristocrat and businessman, became paralyzed from the neck down in a paragliding accident in 1993. In stark contrast, Driss, played by Omar Sy, is a fresh-out-of-prison, dark-skinned man on welfare.
Since his role in "The Intouchables," Omar Sy has become one of the top stars, appearing in films like "Jurassic World," "The Killer," and the series "Lupin." Sy's portrayal of Driss won audiences over with his good humor and refreshing laughter, earning him widespread acclaim.
Directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano playfully explore contrasts and clichés without veering into the absurd in "The Intouchables." They chose to focus on the friendship between the two men rather than making a film about people with disabilities.
In real life, Omar Sy's character, Driss, was hired by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo as his caregiver. The pair formed a bond that transcended their differences, a bond that was beautifully portrayed on screen. When Philippe passed away in 2023 at the age of 72, Omar Sy felt a strong bond with his role and reacted with emotion, referring to Philippe as being "forever in our hearts."
If you enjoyed "The Intouchables," you might also enjoy other films that explore the power of unlikely friendships. For instance, "The Upside," the American remake of "The Intouchables," stars Bryan Cranston as a quadriplegic and Kevin Hart as his caretaker. Like the original, it explores themes of friendship and growth between two very different individuals.
Another film to consider is "Samba," directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, who also directed "The Intouchables." This film tells the story of a Senegalese migrant who forms an unlikely bond with a French volunteer, sharing a similar uplifting and humorous tone.
"Chocolat," a French drama starring Omar Sy, explores the journey of the first Black performer in the French circus in the late 19th century. While it focuses more on racism and societal issues, it highlights the power of unexpected relationships in overcoming adversity.
Lastly, although not directly similar, "Rain Man" (1988) features an unlikely friendship between an autistic savant and his estranged brother. It shares elements of transformation and bonding between contrasting characters, making it a compelling watch.
These films often balance humor and heart, showcasing how unlikely friendships can transform lives. So, if you're in the mood for a heart-warming tale of friendship, tune in to ARD channel One on July 17 at 8:15 PM to rediscover the magic of "The Intouchables."
Watching "The Intouchables" delves into the world of movies-and-tv that offers heart-warming tales of friendship, much like its remake "The Upside" and other films such as "Samba," "Chocolat," and "Rain Man." These diverse entertainments, differing in subject matter but consistent in their exploration of unlikely friendships, are worth exploring for those seeking similar experiences.
