This year from April 12-22nd, Filmfest DC brought over 80 international films to the capitol. In its 26th year, the festival put together an engaging 10-day event with 3 special series: The Lighter Side, a focus on International Comedies, Justice Matters, a collection of films about social justice, and Caribbean Journeys, featuring new films from Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, and more.
In The Lighter Side category, the number one must-see is The Intouchables.
The Intouchables
Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano, France, 2011, 112 minutes, color
Inspired by a true story, The Intouchables centers on the evolving, but extremely touching relationship between two men. A terrible accident that causes Philippe to become a quadriplegic forces him to hire a caretaker - young, athletic Driss. What makes this pair extremely particular however is that Philippe is a French billionaire that could have had his pick from many skilled and experienced caretakers, and Driss is an African man from the projects who was recently paroled as a former convict. From their first meeting Driss is extremely crass and impatient yet the impression he makes on Philippe is sufficient to land him the job.
Although all his friends warn Philippe that his choice in companionship is absurd, the stark differences between the two may have been the key to their success as friends as they accept each other by learning through their differences. The journey that they take away from the constraints of their social classes provides a compelling story of the bonds between their quiet dependence on each other. The charming French film promises to be evocatively touching, and the multitude of awards it has won assures it will be a crowd pleaser. This movie is the second highest grossing film of all time in France.
Other Must-Sees
The Salt Of Life
Gianni Di Gregorio, Italy, 2011, 90 minutes, color
Come as You Are
Geoffrey Enthoven, Belgium, 2011, 115 minutes, color
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FilmFest DC Movie Review: The Lighter Side Category
May 16, 2012
This year from April 12-22nd, Filmfest DC brought over 80 international films to the capitol. In its 26th year, the festival put together an engaging 10-day event with 3 special series: The Lighter Side, a focus on International Comedies, Justice Matters, a collection of films about social justice, and Caribbean Journeys, featuring new films from Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad, the Dominican Republic, and more.
In The Lighter Side category, the number one must-see is The Intouchables.
The Intouchables
Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano, France, 2011, 112 minutes, color
Inspired by a true story, The Intouchables centers on the evolving, but extremely touching relationship between two men. A terrible accident that causes Philippe to become a quadriplegic forces him to hire a caretaker - young, athletic Driss. What makes this pair extremely particular however is that Philippe is a French billionaire that could have had his pick from many skilled and experienced caretakers, and Driss is an African man from the projects who was recently paroled as a former convict. From their first meeting Driss is extremely crass and impatient yet the impression he makes on Philippe is sufficient to land him the job.
Although all his friends warn Philippe that his choice in companionship is absurd, the stark differences between the two may have been the key to their success as friends as they accept each other by learning through their differences. The journey that they take away from the constraints of their social classes provides a compelling story of the bonds between their quiet dependence on each other. The charming French film promises to be evocatively touching, and the multitude of awards it has won assures it will be a crowd pleaser. This movie is the second highest grossing film of all time in France.
Other Must-Sees
The Salt Of Life
Gianni Di Gregorio, Italy, 2011, 90 minutes, color
Come as You Are
Geoffrey Enthoven, Belgium, 2011, 115 minutes, color
