08/02/13….Thame Cinema ‘en Francais’ next weekend

UNTOUCHABLE – Friday, February8, at 8pm – Released: 2011; France Cert: 15 112 mins Directors: Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache Cast: Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot, Clotilde Mollet, Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy

This film has proved to be a hit across the Channel; an irreverent take on disability, apparently drawn from real life. Les Intouchables is the second-highest-grossing domestically produced film of all time, and up for an Oscar nomination.

Driss, a Senegalese man living in a Paris slum, applies for a job as caretaker to a wealthy quadriplegic, but all he wants is to get his paper stamped so he can get benefits. Despite his lack of qualifications, he lands the job because of his attitude: Philippe, the quadriplegic, wants a caretaker who will look at him without pity. As Driss reluctantly learns to move, feed, and clean Philippe, the two men discover a blunt but vital humour that not only bridges the cultural and class divide between them, but gives Philippe a renewed joy in life.

Untouchable is not really a film about race, or disability, or anything other than friendship.

A massive success in France; the movie has the sweet sincerity and uplifting conclusion that make for a classic feel-good experience.

Tickets on door only