The Intouchables: “Boundaries” Are Just a Creation of Our Imaginations

This is a film that is different from most films that are wrapped in a comedy shell but wrapped in a tragic core. It breaks people’s conventional perception of inspirational themes and conveys to the audience the core idea that “boundaries” are just a product of imagination through a special friendship that transcends class, race and physical barriers.

What is the movie about?

The story is based on the real experiences of French tycoon Philippe and low-income man Driss. Philippe is a nobleman who was paralyzed due to a skydiving accident and needs round-the-clock care and companionship. Driss is a black youth who was just released from prison, lives in poverty and has no nursing experience. He applied for this job just to get a certificate of unemployment benefits. 

However, this seemingly mismatched employment relationship unexpectedly developed into a deep friendship. With his casual and direct style of doing things, Deris broke the dullness and depression in Philip’s life. He ignored the rules of traditional nursing and took Philip to go racing, watch football games, and try new things; Philip also rediscovered his passion and courage for life in his relationship with Deris. In the process of accompanying each other, both of them achieved self-growth and breakthroughs. 

“That’s what I want: no sympathy. He always hands me the phone. Do you know why? Because he forgets that I can’t move. Indeed, he has no mercy on me.”

In the secular world, factors such as class, race, and physical condition constitute an insurmountable gap between people. 

But in The Intouchables, Philip and Driss come from completely different worlds, but it is this difference that allows them to see the shining points in each other. Driss does not regard Philip as a disabled person who needs special treatment, but an equal friend, giving him respect and freedom; Philip does not care about Driss’s background and past, and appreciates his sincerity and vitality. 

“What are those so-called untouchable things?”

When Driss pushes Philip in a wheelchair through the streets of Paris in the early morning, The Intouchables welcomes a warm moment – it is never the wheelchair that traps life, but the mind that is imprisoned in the confinement of the circle.

Ending: Continuation of friendship and growth

At the end of the film, Driss had to leave Philip’s care job due to family reasons. Although the two separated, their friendship did not disappear. Under Driss’s influence, Philip became more positive and optimistic and started to try a new life again; Driss also grew up during this experience and found a new direction in life. At the end of the film, Philip received a postcard from Driss, and the picture was frozen in the smile on his lips, suggesting that the story of the two is still going on. They proved with their actions that true friendship and growth will not be hindered by any “boundaries”.