The Expression Hub

Starring: Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey Fleurot, Anne Le Ny, Clotilde Mollet

Directed By: Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache

Genre: Comedy-Drama

“My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.”

Henry Ford

There are certain people who act as a blessing in one’s life because they kind of leave an impression on the people they came into contact with. Those impressions might be in the form of kind words, or maybe the attitude they possess or maybe they possess a distinct charm to their personality. Whatever be the case, such people are memorable and people never forget them especially the people who form a bond with such people. Do you have such people in your lives? If you do , you can share your experiences about the same in the comments section. Believe me, if you do have such people in your lives, it is good to keep them with you for life. They just bring out the best in you by adding zest to life. They are the ones who will never let you feel lonely. They are also the ones which will help you challenge the normal. The reason why I am talking about such people because this week’s pick also revolves around one such person who lightens up the life of one such soul. Who is he ? Read on to find out more.

Story line: This week’s pick is called The Intouchables. It is a French movie which is based on the true story of Phillipe Pozzo De Borgo and his French-Algerian caregiver Abdel Sellou. It celebrates the special bond shared by the two. Phillipe is a wealthy quadriplegic owner of a luxurious hotel particular(in simple words, a house that resembles a hotel). He along with his assistant Magalie are interviewing people for the post of potential live-in caretakers. Enter Driss, a man who has no ambitions to get hired but just needs a signature on a document which proves that he was rejected so that he can continue receiving the unemployment benefits. He is told to return to the mansion to collect the document next morning.

The next day when he returns to collect the document, he is hired for the post on a trial basis.Though he has a horrible past, he manages to do a good job taking care of his employer by adopting unconventional methods. This impresses Phillipe as he feels his caretaker is the only one who does not pity on him. With time, the bond between the two deepens and Philipe starts opening about himself. Driss too encourages his employer to live his life and not be crippled with his disability. Does the bond last forever or will the two have to part ways? Also, does Driss reform himself or does he live life as usual?

Scrutiny: This is a movie which explores a lot of themes like friendship, loss , relations and life. It tries to highlight the fact that even though one might be crippled physically, he or she must not be crippled by mind in order to enjoy the little pleasures of life. It also tries to highlight the point that people who might have the smarts of handling life or to put it in other words think unconventionally are the ones that make the best employees. Driss has a past as a criminal but that fact does not deter Philipe from hiring him . So, out of the box thinking can always beat people having degrees from the best educational degrees. This movie also highlights that one should have a sense of adventure so that one does enjoy what life has to offer. This in other words might be pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to become something which you might have not imagined in your wildest dreams. Or maybe it is about learning to face your deep fears irrespective of what the consequences will be. The best part is that these lessons are given with a tinge of adult stuff and lots of comedy that it makes you smile. Omar Sy steals the show as Driss while Francois Cluzet nails the role of a quadriplegic person to the fit.

The Sentiment: This one is a movie which celebrates life through the unique bonding of two different people. They both teach each other a lot of things. Philipe teaches Driss to appreciate the finer things of life and work for it while Driss teaches Philipe to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Driss teaches Philipe to be more upfront about his needs while Philipe teaches him to enjoy the adventures of life. Though you might find some stuff pretty raunchy, but the best thing is that they do not go overboard with it. So, watch it for the stellar performances as well as the unique bond between the two people and enjoy this beautiful tale. This movie also has some beautiful references to art. So, if you are a person who is an art enthusiast , do watch it for the same.

Rating : *** and a 1/2 stars(would have given a 4 star were there not any lewd jokes but considering the fact where Driss comes from it is understandable)

Que: Which painting is displayed in the firm where Driss applies for a job?

a. Spider of the evening

b. The Meditative Rose

c. The Elephants

d. The Persistence of Memory