The Intouchables
The biggest hit in European cinemas in 2012, The Intouchables is a feel-good comedy directed by duo Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. In France alone, their film drew over 20 million viewers. The Intouchables is a tale of infectious optimism based on the true story of an unlikely friendship. Paraplegic millionaire Philippe is interviewing candidates to be his personal caregiver. On a whim, and perhaps just to spite his staff, Philippe hires the cocky and arrogant Driss, a young black man from a poor suburb. The initial clash of their worlds and personalities, uncomfortable and difficult at first, gives way to a series of brilliantly funny and charming moments. Great acting drives this genuine story of friendship and new hopes.
awards
Tokyo IFF 2011 – Tokyo Grand Prix, Best Actor Award; César Awards 2012 – Best Actor
Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano
Friends since childhood, Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano both decided to take up filmmaking in their early twenties. Together, they made their first short film, The Day And The Night, in 1995, and since then have continued to work as a directing and screenwriting duo. Several years later, their short feature Les petits souliers/The Small Shoes was shown at Clermont-Ferrand and won the audience award at the Paris Film Festival. In 2002, when making the short Ces jours heureux/Those Happy Days they invited young comedian Omar Sy to join the project. Sy stayed on to act in the full-length feature of the same name in 2006, and the three have maintained a constant collaboration ever since.
Selected filmography
1995 Le jour et la nuit
2005 Zostańmy przyjaciółmi / Je préfère qu’on reste amis
2006 Szczęśliwe dni / Nos jours heureux / Those Happy Days
2011 Nietykalni / Paries / The Intouchables