Untouchable Encounters - "Dear Hearts Unite" - Tender Moments Aplenty
The French comedy-drama film "The Intouchables," starring Omar Sy and François Cluzet, has left an indelible mark on the global film industry. Released in 2011, this social comedy became a sensation, not only in France but also overseas, particularly in Germany.
Based on a true story, the film is set in Paris and tells the heartwarming narrative of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy aristocrat and businessman who was paralyzed from the neck down after a paragliding accident in 1993. Abdel Sellou, a Frenchman of Algerian descent, was hired as Pozzo di Borgo's caregiver in the true story that inspired the film.
The directors, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, focused on the friendship between two men who couldn't be more different. The characters Philippe and Driss, portrayed by François Cluzet and Omar Sy respectively, have starkly different backgrounds: Philippe is educated and wealthy, while Driss is a freshly released prisoner on welfare.
The film's combination of humor and drama, along with powerful performances from Sy and Cluzet, helped it gain critical acclaim and a wide audience internationally. It is a testament to its universal themes of friendship and overcoming adversity that the film's appeal crossed cultural barriers, becoming a top-grossing non-English film worldwide.
In France, "The Intouchables" was a phenomenon, becoming the most successful film of 2011 with over 15 million viewers. Box office revenue reflected its success, with the film grossing approximately 48.2 million euros in France during its theatrical run[1]. Beyond France, the film also had significant box office success in other countries, including Germany where it earned around 11 million euros[1].
The film's international success contributed to the popularization of French cinema globally in the early 2010s, inspiring remakes in various countries. Omar Sy's role boosted his international profile, winning him the César Award for Best Actor and making him a recognized figure beyond France.
Omar Sy's connection to his role as Driss was evident in his reaction to the real Philippe Pozzo di Borgo's death in 2023. In an Instagram post, Sy wrote, "By agreeing to have his story told, Philippe changed many lives." The post ended with "Forever in our hearts..."
Sy, who is now one of the top stars, appearing in films like "Jurassic World," "The Killer," and the series "Lupin," expressed his gratitude towards Pozzo di Borgo. François Cluzet, who played Philippe in the film, also delivered an outstanding performance.
The film "The Intouchables" is scheduled to air on ARD channel One on Thursday (17th July) at 8:15 PM. Its enduring popularity and impact on global cinema make it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
[1] Box Office Mojo. (2021). The Intouchables (2011) - Box Office / Business Intelligence. [online] Available at: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=intouchables.htm [2] Allociné. (2021). The Intouchables (2011) - Allociné. [online] Available at: https://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm-16903/box-office/ [3] Variety. (2011). 'The Intouchables' Soars to $426 Million at Box Office. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2011/film/box-office/the-intouchables-soars-to-426-million-at-box-office-1200525068/
- Despite the deadline for the submission of the draft budget being extended to 31st December 2014, it is worthy to note the enduring popularity of the French comedy-drama film "The Intouchables" released in 2011.
- As Omar Sy's performance in "The Intouchables" gained critical acclaim and boosted his international profile, one can only imagine the entertainment value he will bring to movies-and-tv, just as he did to this heartwarming film.
