Reviewed by Nancy Snipper
What
an amazing film, and to think it is all true, for this film was inspired by two
astounding real-life people Driss (Omar Sy) and Philippe (François Cluzet). Philippe
is an über-rich quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down, due to a
paragliding accident. After interviewing several possible care-givers, he
settles on Senagelese maverick, Driss (Omar Sy). But he’s only come for the
interview so he can collect his welfare benefits as he must prove to the French
government office, he is actively seeking work. On his way out, he steals one
of the Faberge eggs on display in the waiting hall. It turns out all the other
candidates who are exceptionally qualified to be Philippe’s personal nurse don’t
make the grade. This scene of interviews is hysterical. Driss is the dude
Philippe ends up hiring, and given that Driss has been kicked out of his aunt’s
little apartment filled to the brim with her own kids, he needs the money and a
roof over his head. And what a roof it is! Philippe lives luxuriously, and
Driss seems happy. In fact, the two men develop a close relationship. Driss is
the best thing that has happened to his paralyzed friend since losing his wife.
Philippe may live in wealth but in loneliness. Driss gets him out, and Philippe
shares classical music with Driss and his appreciation of paintings. One of the
most memorable scenes is during Philipp’s birthday when a private orchestra is
hired to play the best classical pieces. Driss is not moved. Finally, he gets
up, turns on Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland” and dances his heart
out. He gets all the musicians and other employees of Philippe to dance along.
The joy in everyone’s face is heart-warming.
For the first time, Philippe is experiencing
friendship and someone willing to push the boundaries of wheelchair limitations
which includes paragliding again. In the end, he even arranges for Philippe to
meet the woman he’s been writing to for six months but refuses to meet for fear
of rejection. There is a separation in the relationship as Philippe released
Driss so that he may take care of his young cousin and aunt.
Directors,
Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache created a 2011 smash box office hit that
received eight César nominations. Omar Sy garnered this award for Best Actor.
This film is a must-see!
(Kudos to Verdun’s le Superclub Vidéotron for recommending this
outstanding emotionally enriching film).
This
film was viewed, compliments of Le SuperClub Vidéotron, 5000, rue Wellington Verdun,
QC.
Ce film a été visionné, avec les compliments de Le SuperClub Vidéotron,
5000, rue Wellington Verdun, QC.
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