I love movies like this because they remind us how important it is to see others as equals, to recognize ourselves in them and to help them recognize themselves. This film, which I never get tired of watching, achieves all of that: an incredibly good French comedy.
The Story
Philippe (François Cluzet) is a wealthy man left quadriplegic after an accident, living in sadness and apathy. When he looks for a caregiver, along comes Driss (Omar Sy, the star of Lupin), a young man with no experience who feels no pity or condescending compassion for his disability. That's exactly what Philippe was looking for: someone who would see him as a man, not as a patient.
More Than a Caregiver
Driss breaks Philippe's monotony with energy, humor, music and new experiences, like high-speed drives. Although it's hard for him at first, he learns to assist him day to day, to go with him to his therapy sessions and to care for him during his pain crises. And the most beautiful part: he pulls him out of his isolation and encourages him to open up to love with a woman he had only written letters to, out of fear of rejection.
Behind the Scenes
The movie is based on a true story: the friendship between businessman Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, who became quadriplegic after a paragliding accident, and his assistant Abdel Sellou. Both wrote books about the experience. It was filmed in Paris, at the Hôtel d'Avaray, and its music blends Ludovico Einaudi's piano with Earth, Wind & Fire hits like "September" and "Boogie Wonderland." Omar Sy won the César Award for Best Actor for this role.
Film Notes
Year: 2011
Running time: 1 hour and 52 minutes
Genre: comedy-drama
Directors: Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano
Cast: François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleurot and Anne Le Ny
Studio: Gaumont
Where to watch: streaming availability changes often. Check your favorite platform to see where it's available today.
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