Driss: Listen to this...where can you find a quadriplegic?
Philippe: I don't know...where can you?
Driss: Where you left him
And never shall the twain meet? Philippe (Francois Cluzet), a rich quadriplegic and Driss (Omar Sy), a hustler who's been in and out of prison, had nothing in common. At least on surface. Yet when Driss applies for the job of a caretaker along with a lot of other qualified candidates, Philippe instantly likes him as Driss shows no sympathy and doesn't care. In fact, Driss is only there to get his papers signed to show he hasn't been able to find a job. His only motivation in life is to avail government benefits and to live on welfare. (Though Philippe's assistant, Magalie (Audrey Fleurot), definitely provides him another sort of motivation).
After being hired, Driss shows resistance as he won't wipe another man's ass "on principle". He also ends up disciplining Philippe's daughter. However, the two set off on a friendship in no time. Through this friendship, the directors, Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano, are able to show to the audience there's more to life than wealth, race and class. The relationship is based on mutual respect, understanding and acceptance. Of course, once the movie sets off, it's a little predictable in the way that Driss will help Philippe find love and change his outlook on life. Yet unlike most other somber movies that deal with such topics, this one's filled with some really funny, though politically incorrect, jokes that'd make you laugh out loud.
There's a Hollywood remake in the offing, though I'm not sure about the level of censorship that would be forced on the script to please the politically correct American ears. You have to watch this version to believe it. It's French humor at its best!
Rating - 8/10
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