A much-talked-about film that appears on these lists:
- Best biographical films of 2011 (1st place),
- Best dramas of 2011 (1st place),
- Best comedies of 2011 (1st place)
The film is based on a true life story.
Philippe, a very wealthy French aristocrat, is paralyzed after an accident and confined to a wheelchair. He needs constant care, keeps changing caregivers and has lost all interest in life. His wife has died, his adopted daughter shows him no respect, and his numerous relatives only want his money. Quite by chance, Driss — a poor young Black man from Senegal who needs a job — turns up at the auditions for caregivers. He, too, is lonely, even though he has relatives and friends from the neighborhood. Driss manages, as if effortlessly, to bring the psychologically broken Philippe back to life.
The film is about male friendship between completely different people, filled with comic situations that break through the main character’s tragedy. The filmmakers, O. Nakache and É. Toledano, succeeded in creating a harmonious blend of real drama and excellent comedy. Through the prism of humor it makes you think about many things in your own life: the value of what we have, relationships, love, our fears, opportunities, friendship.
Sincere, light, heartfelt, with excellent acting. I highly recommend it to anyone who has not seen it yet. Or watch it again.
Watch and enjoy!