Untouchable [DVD] (2011)

I saw the trailer for this film and just knew, both, instantaneously and instinctively, it was an absolutely - must see! Prior to attending, I was not aware [or had overlooked] the fact it was a French, subtitled film but this did not deter me when being advised of the fact upon purchasing my ticket.From the outset, this was a film, a storyline, a sequence of events based upon fact, that simply captivated, enthralled and in which I became quickly immersed and totally absorbed. The car chase in the opening sequence set the adrenalin pumping and the pulse racing and was a unique introduction and perspective into the lives of the characters portrayed in the film, their motives, commitment, loyalty and eventual dedication to each other.This film, in my opinion, is the sensitive portrayal of a disabled, quadriplegic French billionaire who, in some respects, purely by chance encounters the guy from the 'wrong side of the tracks' who through various trials and tribulations eventually becomes his full-time, 24/7 carer and 'confidant'. It is a touching portrayal of the slowly developing association and relationship of implicit trust that evolves between the two lead characters, in addition to the various and respective challenges with which they are confronted and overcome.Contained in this film is the whole gamut of human emotions. It is an extremely touching, moving roller-coaster of a ride with drama, tragedy, excitement, a wonderful and delightful sense of humour, sadness, happiness, laughter, highs and lows, interspersed with tears of joy and tinged with tears of pain and heartache. I thoroughly enjoy films that portray and observe different aspects of life, the human condition and associated emotions so acutely, intensely and succinctly. While not wanting to disclose too much of the content, this is a film in which you cannot help but become 'involved', to share the pain, the heartache, the tears, the sadness, the surprises, the joy, the laughter and exuberance, of obstacles overcome and triumphs shared.I consider this film to be an absolute delight, a masterpiece, perhaps more appropriately a 'piece de resistance', a cinematic triumph. A more than capable, astutely competent and confident observation of the respective and starkly contrasting circumstances of two individuals whose lives become intertwined through associated events and which evolve into the relationship so eloquently conveyed and masterfully portrayed in 'Untouchable'. This is, undoubtedly, a film that warrants, deserves and justifies higher acclaim to a wider audience and if you possess one vestige, one ounce of single, solitary humanness, it is not a film to be overlooked or missed and can only hope I have done the justice it fully deserves in this review.A film to watch, a film to reflect, a film to contemplate, a film to share, a film for all its trials, triumphs and tribulations to thoroughly enjoy but above all a truly worthwhile, highly commendable film to savour and a film to remember a long while after the end credits have rolled, such is its stirring and on occasions, heart-rending impact, into the nature of people, their personalities, character traits and the challenges with which they are confronted and against all the odds, overcome. Merci beaucoup - Magnifique!

There should be no spoilers in this review.Having seen François Cluzet in some very good films, I was keen to see him in Untouchable, though I did have some reservations as to whether the film would live up to the hype - "THE WORLD'S No 1 AWARD WINNING COMEDY" etc, and also whether I would indeed, like the comedy portrayed in the film, comedy being the subjective thing that it is.As for the comedy, well yes I did find it very funny, though at the same time this is also a serious film with a serious story. The comedic aspect of the film is very realistic - it, is not slapstick or farce, it is intelligent and it is done with great talent from the actors and with great writing and directing.My interest in watching the film was initially because François Cluzot was in it. Cluzet was exceptional, but I was equally impressed (if not more so) by Omar Sy who gave a remarkable performance throughout. That would also be true of the supporting cast and everyone that worked on the film, as they seem to have done and excellent job.The film is based on a true story (you are informed as the film starts) and that certainly seems to add to the enjoyment of it. I would say that all aspects of the film are without fault, as it has great acting, writing, directing, costumes, music etc - and cinematography. There are some particularly amazing scenes for which the camera-work should have special praise.So did the film live up to the hype? Well for me it certainly did. This is one of the best films I have seen for some time.At the time of writing this review, there are thirteen reviewers on amazon who have awarded it one star, so it obviously isn't for everyone. Most of the one star reviewers seem to be saying they didn't realise that this French film was in French and that they would have to read English subtitles. So perhaps this is not recommended viewing for anyone who dislikes subtitles, but even if you are put off by subtitles this might be the film to make you change your mind.So to sum up: an outstanding film, brilliant story, brilliantly told, brilliant acting (especially Omar Sy), some outstanding photography and just maybe a film that some subtitle haters might enjoy.On the DVD you get:Untouchable (1 hour 47 min). The film has embedded English Subtitles.Scene SelectionSpecial Features (Deleted Scenes)Previews (Trailers for: The Artist, My Week With Marilyn, Silver Linings Playbook, Beautiful Creatures)

Gorgeous. Adored every minute.

I saw this film advertised on Sky, recorded it, and watched it at my leisure. I had a particular interest, as I worked with a quadriplegic man for two and a half years as his every day PA.To say I enjoyed this film, would be an understatement. From the first word spoken to the last, I laughed, cried and had a lump in my throat on numerous occasions. Omar Sy is brilliant as the mans everyday helper and it brought back memories of my work as a PA. Loved his dance routine to Earth, Wind and Fire. And the gentleman in the wheelchair was amazing too.I could watch this film over and over again, it is nice to see a film that comes across as so genuine, real life and with a really good feeling to it. Makes you feel life is worth while, there are still some good people about in this world. I know how a quadriplegic person has to deal with every day life and this film puts across how much this man wanted to be accepted as a normal man and not a man in a wheelchair, he just wanted to be like an able bodied person and live life to the full.And this film achieves this in every way.Don't worry about the subtitles, buy this film and enjoy, you won't regret it.Paul.PS. I have ordered 3 copies for friends and one on Blu ray for myself.

This is an amazing story, very well told. I didn't realise it was subtitled when I bought it (it would have 5 stars if it was in English) and I admit that for the first 10 minutes I was tempted to turn it off. However you soon forget that it is and loose yourself in the film, the acting and voices take over, it really is worth persavering.The fact that it is a true story makes it even better, it's a moving and humbling film, with some very amusing parts, you are entertained fully throughout.

Absolutely amazing film

Following an accident, the ultra wealthy Philippe (Francois Cluzet) is paralysed and needs 24 hour care. He chooses Driss (Omar Sy) as his carer and an unlikely friendship is born. The contrast between the wealth of Philippe and the poverty from which Driss comes is well portrayed. The room plus en suite that is Driss' living area is larger than the entire flat in which his family lives.The relationship between the two men builds over time to one of mutual respect and liking. It is the development of this relationship that is central to this film. They don't like the same music (High Classical v Earth Wind and Fire) yet the joyful dance that Driss spontaneously performs at Philippe's staid birthday party brings a smile to Philippe's face that holds no wistfulness or regret that he cannot walk a step let alone dance any more.The film is full of humour but one of the funniest moments for me was a trip to the Opera House when Driss cannot believe that people pay good money to see someone dressed as a tree and singing in German for 4 hours!There are neat subplots with the minor characters too such as the attractive female member of staff that Driss is convinced will fall for him; or the older couple where Driss nudges the relationship forward; and Philippe's daughter's relationship with "mophead" that Driss has a hand in sorting out.The relationship works because Driss sees Philippe as a man not an invalid and both men learn a lot about themselves and others in this moving and uplifting film.

Most of us can't imagine what it must be like to lose the use of your body and still have to live in a world such as ours - to most of us, it seems like an unbearable and hopeless situation. This film - based on a true story - is an immensely touching and uplifting glimpse into the life of two incredibly brave men, whose lives could not have been more different but who found a common ground in the beauty and necessity of humour. It made me laugh out loud until my sides split and then blub until my eyes were all puffy! All this emotion in one film - a journey and an experience just watching it.I loved this film because it didn't moralise at all and like so many foreign films (I'm British so it's foreign to me) it was so unPC in the way it challenged the able-bodied perception of disability - which was most refreshing, especially for those of us who have a disability. It didn't make you sit there and think 'oh I'm so lucky, I should be more grateful for what I have', it made you realise that, while we are so very fragile, we manage to find strength in times of the worst kind of adversity and that we find it because we have the ability to connect with another living being.For those who are wondering, this version is in french with English subtitles.

I did not read any reviews before watching this movie, and I'm glad I didn't. But if you are reading this before watching the movie, I hope this will be a good thing! Anyway, I did not find anything racist about this film at all. I lived in Paris for two years. It is, like most large cosmopolitan cities, a cross-configuration of many cultures. Yes, you have the iconic glamour of the boulevards, the Seine and the monuments, and you also have large neighborhoods made up of struggling immigrant populations. There is wealth and status and there is poverty and crime. In this film, you see a character from each of these worlds cross paths, and the events and the emotions that ensue are a joy to behold and to experience. Okay, so the wealthy guy is white, and the black guy is poor. It's not meant to be a stereotype. Francois Cluzet's character is from the aristocracy and Omar Sy's character is an immigrant. And when you watch the film, ask yourself which one you would rather be. Ask yourself which one is happier, or more fortunate. So let's move on. At first glance, it seems that this is going to be a heavy film, but what makes it work is the humor. There is a warmly comic element throughout. In several parts I laughed out loud, loudly. And there are more than a few surprises to keep you on your toes. The ending is superb; you wonder where it is going and where it goes is just fine. There's even a nagging little loose end that is tied up in the final scene that is nicely symbolic of the transformation that has taken place within the character played by Omar Sy. God, what an infectious laugh, smile and genuine affability he has! Francois Cluzet is an immensely talented, seasoned actor. Few actors come to mind whose emotions seem absolutely real rather than acted. On a final note, I have seen many reviews where the viewer wishes that the film were dubbed. I would respectfully urge you to watch the film with subtitles even if you are hesitant. It is impossible to get the true feel of the characters' personalities otherwise. Watch the movie twice if you have to in order to get it all. I wouldn't mind watching it again myself. All and all a wonderful film. I highly recommend it, whether you speak French or not.

"Intocable" en DVD. 4.16€.El producto viene perfectamente empaquetado y con su precinto original. Versión sin extras únicamente con la película. Sonido 5.1 para todos los idiomas. La película se ve con una buena definición, a un buen volumen y no presenta ningún tipo de grano. El soporte físico utilizado es de calidad, y resiste al visionado frecuente.Idiomas: Francés, Castellano y Catalán.Subtítulos: Castellano y Catalán.Opinión personal: Maravillosa comedia dramática. Estupendo drama cómico. Una película que no puedes dejar de ver. De esas que recargan baterías cuando las terminas. Imprescindible en toda videoteca. Y por menos de 5€, todo un chollo.

super beau film,merci

J'adore ce film. Le plus beau rôle pour Omar Sy. Dustin Hoffman est excellent dans le rôle de Philippe

[VORSICHT: Kann Spoiler enthalten!!!][Anm.: Zur Bildqualität der Blu-Ray werde ich erst was sagen können, wenn der Film erschienen ist.]Zugegeben: Ich bin durchaus positiv überrascht, dass der Film ordentlich übersetzt wurde. Schon bei den Sch'tis habe ich eine Übersetzung kategorisch ausgeschlossen. Doch am Ende gab es eine respektable Übersetzung (gilt im übrigen auch für die beiden Oss 117-Filme, nur als kure Randbemerkung ;-) ), die in Deutschland gut angekommen ist und einiges richtig gemacht hat.Kommen wir zu "Ziemlich beste Freunde": Der Film ist, wie man es bei franz. (Tragi-)Komödien mit wenigen Schauspielern gewohnt ist, ziemlich dialoglastig.Das große Problem: Die Witze. Sind sie in franz. absolut natürlich, weil sie im Gespräch entstehen, wirken sie auf deutsch manchmal einfach nur aufgesetzt, weil "in Deutschland so niemand redet!". Das trifft bei einzelnen Szenen des Films durchaus zu. Vor allen Dingen bei Wortwitzen tut sich Übersetzung gewohnt schwer und somit fallen auch ein paar Witze in der deutschen Fassung unter den Tisch. Allein schon verschiedene Sprüche aus der (pariser) französischen Alltagssprache können gar nicht übersetzt werden (z.B. bei der Szene mit dem heißen Wasser: "Truc de ouf!"). Auch das gern falsch übersetzt "embrasser" am Ende des Films spricht Bände. Dort wird es nicht dazu verwendet, dass man eine Person küssen/umarmen soll, sondern es heißt schlicht und ergreifend "liebe Grüße" bzw. "grüße sie von mir".Trotzdem: Insgesamt ist die deut. Fassung gelungen, sie bringt das Gesamtwerk genau so gekonnt rüber, wie das Original: Freude, Lebensgefühl, Mut zum Leben, all das steht weiter im Vordergrund. Es geht nicht um "arm gegen reich" oder eine "allgemeine Gesellschaftskritik" und schon gar nicht um die völlig unverständliche Interpretation, man würde durch "Arbeit Erfolg haben", also vom "Tellerwäscher zum Millionär". Nirgendwo soll das der Fall sein. Was bei französischen Produktionen immer wieder angenehm auffällt: "Ziemlich beste Freunde" durchkreuzt verschiedene Hollywood-Checklisten reihenweise:- die beiden Hauptcharaktere müssen sich nicht zwangsläufig in die Wolle kriegen, nur um am Ende die besten Freunde zu werden- es wird komplett auf Gewalt und "Action" verzichtet, denn das Leben in der Banlieue wird lieber angedeutet und skizziert. Warum auch nicht? Es müssen nicht jedesmal "Transformers in Manhatten" für den Weltuntergang sorgen. Ergo: Keine Drogenkriege, keine Gang-Schlachten,... Wozu auch? Nur um das Budget auszuschlachten?- Der Spannungsbogen muss nicht durch nervige Nebenschauplätze und Tempowechsel durcheinander gebracht werden: Die Schnitte sind langsam, die Szenen klar gegliedert. Dadurch wirkt der Film angenehm ruhig und kommt ohne lästige schreiende, weinende und brüllende Menschen aus.- die Kritik an der Gesellschaft ist allgegenwärtig, ohne dass der Zuschauer mit Moralpredigten gelangweilt wird. Dem Zuschauer wird also ein gewisses Maß an eigener Denkleistung zugemutet, ohne dass dem Zuschauer die Botschaft immer und wieder aufs Auge gedrückt werden muss. Also kein: "Danke Herr Regisseur, wir haben es mittlerweile verstanden!"Sicherlich ist "Ziemlich beste Freunde" kein gesellschaftskritisches Meisterwerk, denn das will es gar nicht sein. Ja, sicherlich hätte der Film an der einen oder anderen Stelle "bissiger" sein dürfen, aber ansonsten stimmt das Maß: Die Thematik hat die richtige Balance, nicht zu wenig, nicht zu viel und bietet genug Spielraum für Eigeninterpretationen. Ich bin der Meinung, dass nicht immer alles sofort auf die Nase gebunden werden muss, man darf doch durchaus auch mal was entdecken, oder? Wem die Sache zu wenig "kritisch" ist, müsste sich einen anderen Film raussuchen, dann wäre aber das Genre verfehlt: Der Film ist in erster Linie eine Komödie. Sonst würde man nicht so oft lachen. ;-)Und ja: Driss kann einem auf den Zeiger gehen und ja, er mag etwas klischeebeladen wirken, aber genau das wollte der Regisseur erzielen: Mit Klischees spielen und diese wunderbar einfühlsam präsentieren: Nie wirkt Driss lächerlich oder absurd. Nirgendwo. Das ist nicht nur ein Verdienst der schauspielerischen Leistungen. Er wirkt zu jeder Zeit menschlich und vermittelt eine Wärme, die man im ersten Moment nicht erwarten würde. Und das hätte sowas von lächerlich werden können, da ist man einfach positiv überrascht, wie wunderbar beide Hauptcharaktere mit ihren Rollen rüberkommen. Schlicht und ergreifend großartig geschauspielert! Nie schämt man sich, nie ist man genervt.Die Geschichte gab es mit Sicherheit schon mal. Und trotzdem ist der Film vortrefflich. Denn wer sich vorstellt, wie man diesen Stoff vergeigen könnte, ist einfach nur froh, dass so ein guter Film bei herausgekommen ist. Stellt euch die ganze Geschichte in New York vor, mit Dustin Hoffman (zugegegeben: François Cluzet sieht Hoffman verdammt ähnlich) im Rollstuhl und einem nervigen Chris Tucker als rappender Quasselstrippe aus den Bronx. Mit einem Budget von 120 Millionen für Special Effects, einer heißen Bettszene und mehreren Verfolgungsjagden, bei denen eine ganze Armada an Autos zu Bruch geht. Man mag kaum weiterdenken, wie belanglos das Ganze wäre.Und bitte nicht falsch verstehen: Filme aus Hollywood finde ich großartig! Trotzdem bin ich froh, dass uns "Ziemlich beste Freunde" auf "französisch" erzählt wurde. Der Film hat damit einen eigenen Charme und ist auch in der deutschen Fassung absolut sehenswert! Am besten mit einer Flasche Champagner eines großen französischen Champagner-Hauses genießen. ;-)