Untouchable ☆☆☆☆☆

Funniest film I have seen in YEARS.

The film is based upon the true story of a rich tetraplegic (paralysed from the neck down) and his rough'n'ready carer who comes from the council estate area of Paris. It follows the friendship that is created and the truly heart warming story of how these two figures from completely opposite ends of Paris come together and vastly improve each others lives.

So we have Driss, played by the simply gorgeous and extraordinary Omar Sy, who comes into wealthy Phillipe's life (played by Francois Cluzet who is a stalwart of French cinema) as a man who has just come from a six month stint in prison for robbery and needs a third job interview to turn him down so he can claim benefits from the State. Driss' unpitying attitude toward Phillipe intrigues the tetraplegic who decides to hire him as his carer to test if this young man can cope with having a job rather than claiming from the State. Most importantly, Driss made Phillipe laugh.

The story unfolds as Driss becomes a caring and focused individual, learning to work for his money (whilst dabbling in a little artistry) and Phillipe finds light and laughter where before he had been engulfed with pity.

This film is HILARIOUS with all the capitals. It finds humour in the most awful situation and, like the film makers themselves have said, it is very British in its comedy as it is very very dark. I'm not sure I have laughed at a joke about a disabled person without feeling a tiny bit guilty, but today I laughed so much my throat hurt from trying not to guffaw in the 7 person filled cinema.

The music too is wonderful, blending 70s Funk with classical masterpieces with ease as Driss and Phillipe introduce each other to their musical worlds. The dancing scene was particularly wonderful and unscripted, they just said to the cast 'do what you feel'. Boy does Omar Sy have some dance moves.

Most importantly though the chemistry between the two leads is phenomenal. Though Cluzet only has his head to move he acts with his entire body - par example he almost falls out of his chair but moves not a single iota and that was itself impressive, whilst also being laugh out loud funny. His eyes too are extraordinary, so expressive, which is something that can be lost in comedy when people are prat-falling across each other.
Omar Sy is just a beautiful man, incredibly funny, and heartbreaking too. I have found a new crush.

The story is incredible, and the fact that it is true lends itself more to the comedy rather than make you back away from laughing. It is refreshing to watch a film that wants you to laugh with the disability rather than at it.

This is truly one of the funniest and heartwarming films I have ever seen, and I'm still giggling from the memories it has given me.