TLDR;
"The Intouchables" tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic, and Driss, a street-smart man from the projects. Driss becomes Philippe's caretaker, and their bond transcends social and economic differences. The film explores themes of prejudice, compassion, and the importance of human connection, highlighting how each man enriches the other's life in unexpected ways.
- Driss, a man from the projects, becomes the caretaker of Philippe, a quadriplegic.
- Their friendship transcends social and economic differences.
- The film explores themes of prejudice, compassion, and the importance of human connection.
The Chase and the Bet [0:11]
One night in Paris, Driss is driving Philippe, his employer, when he breaks the speed limit to alleviate boredom. This leads to a police chase, during which Driss bets he can evade the officers. When the police catch up, Driss improvises by feigning a medical emergency for Philippe, convincing the officers to escort them to the hospital. Driss celebrates his successful ruse by playing music and sharing a smoke with Philippe, promising to handle the situation before driving away to avoid hospital staff.
The Interview [1:11]
Months prior, Philippe and his assistant Magalie are shown conducting interviews for a new caretaker. The interviews are unsuccessful until Driss interrupts, seeking a signed form to claim unemployment benefits. His bluntness and forwardness amuse Philippe, who asks him to return the next day for the signed papers.
Driss' Home Life [1:40]
Driss returns to his home in a humble neighborhood, where he lives with his siblings. He notices his brother Adama behaving suspiciously. His mother arrives, and Driss presents her with a stolen Fabergé egg, claiming he was on vacation. However, she is upset by his sudden reappearance after six months of absence and kicks him out, refusing to let him treat her home like a hotel.
The Job Offer [2:28]
The next day, Driss goes back to Philippe's house for his papers and is shown around by the housekeeper, Yvonne. She shows him the room he would get for himself with his very own bathroom. Philippe offers him a job opportunity instead of just the signed form. Driss accepts a one-month trial, with Philippe betting he won't last two weeks.
Learning the Ropes [2:52]
Driss is taught how to care for Philippe, including stimulating his legs, transferring him to a wheelchair, and assisting with showering and dressing. He initially finds some tasks, such as putting on stockings and cleaning Philippe after bathroom use, awkward and unpleasant, but he eventually accepts them as part of his job.
Adjusting to the New Life [3:24]
Driss adapts to his routine, learning from initial mistakes like handing Philippe the phone instead of positioning it correctly. He organizes Philippe's mail, distinguishing between personal and private correspondence, and creates a file for escort service flyers. Driss also tries to flirt with Magalie and occasionally hires escorts.
Incidents and Discoveries [3:58]
Yvonne finds dangerous weapons in Driss' bag but doesn't immediately address it. Driss refuses to transport Philippe in the back of a van, opting for a fancy car instead. He confronts a neighbor blocking their entrance, impressing Philippe but concerning Yvonne.
Art, Concerns, and Correspondence [4:40]
At a museum, Driss questions the value of modern art. Philippe's relative expresses concerns about Driss's violent tendencies and criminal record, but Philippe values Driss's lack of pity and willingness to joke with him. Yvonne reveals to Driss that Philippe has been exchanging letters with a woman named Eléonore, maintaining a purely epistolary relationship.
Nighttime Assistance and Confessions [5:28]
Driss helps Philippe during a breathing attack, taking him for a nighttime stroll by the river. Philippe explains his phantom pain and inability to experience physical pleasure, though he finds satisfaction in ear massages. They share a joint, and Philippe recounts his past, including his wife's terminal illness and his paragliding accident that caused his quadriplegia.
Officially Hired and Family Matters [6:49]
Philippe realizes Driss has passed his one-month trial and officially hires him, requesting the return of a Fabergé egg stolen by Driss, a gift from his late wife. Driss speaks with his sister Mina, who is upset that he only contacts her to find the egg. He also visits Adama, who confesses to being caught with drugs.
Intervention and Opera [7:27]
Driss critiques Philippe's letters to Eléonore and encourages him to be more direct. He calls Eléonore, leading to a phone conversation between her and Philippe. They attend the opera, where Driss's reactions amuse Philippe.
Pictures and Discipline [7:57]
Driss convinces Philippe to exchange pictures with Eléonore and chooses a photo of him in his wheelchair. He confronts Elisa about her behavior, leading Philippe to agree to discipline her.
Growing Friendship [8:31]
The friendship between Philippe and Driss deepens as they share experiences like playing in the snow and going for runs. Philippe buys Driss a suit and disciplines his daughter. Driss shows his first painting to Magalie, who rejects his advances.
Birthday Party [9:00]
Philippe is unenthusiastic about his birthday party, which he finds boring. Driss finds Elisa upset after a breakup and agrees to talk to her ex-boyfriend. Philippe sells Driss's painting for eleven thousand euros. Driss learns that Magalie is in a rocky relationship with a woman named Fred. He then introduces the party to "Boogie Wonderland" and gets everyone dancing.
The Date and the Trip [10:05]
Driss discovers Eléonore has sent her picture and wants to meet. On the day of the date, Yvonne takes Philippe to the restaurant, but Eléonore is late. Philippe leaves, unaware she has arrived. Philippe takes Driss on a private plane to the countryside and they go paragliding.
Family Issues and Departure [11:07]
Adama waits for Driss at home, and Driss learns about his family history, including that he was brought from Senegal by his aunt and uncle. Philippe, recognizing Adama needs Driss's support, fires Driss so he can be with his family. Driss says goodbye, learns Magalie is a lesbian, and returns the baby monitor to Yvonne, who gives him the escort file.
Back to Old Life and New Job [12:47]
Driss returns to his old life, warning Adama's associates to leave him alone. He gets a job as a driver, using the art knowledge he gained from Philippe. Philippe is unhappy with his new caretaker.
Reunion and Resolution [13:22]
Yvonne calls Driss to help Philippe with his phantom pain, leading to the initial police chase. Driss takes Philippe to the coast. Later, Driss brings Philippe to a restaurant to meet Eléonore, who arrives and is happy to see him. The film concludes with updates on the real-life Philippe and Driss, who remain close friends.
![[Digimon Podcast] LiT Special 31 – Mimi Continues to Be Best Girl](https://wm-img.halpindev.com/p-briefread_c-10_b-10/urlb/aHR0cDovL2ltZy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS92aS8zU0tIazhhSDYyQS9ocWRlZmF1bHQuanBn.jpg)
