The Intouchables vs The Upside: A Tale of Two Inspirational Films D. Gulati, November 5, 2023 In the world of cinema, countless films touch our hearts and leave a lasting impact. “The Intouchables” and “The Upside” are two such movies that have garnered immense attention and admiration from audiences around the globe. Both films explore themes of friendship, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit, making them not only heartwarming but also inspiring stories that leave a significant mark on the viewer. This article delves into the discussion of why you should consider watching them, whether they are safe for kids, and examines their ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, ultimately concluding with insights into which one might be more appealing to you. Navigation Table The Intouchables vs The Upside Main Storylines Commonalities & Differences Direction Quality Why Watch Them? Are They Safe for Kids? Ratings on IMDb & Rotten Tomatoes Conclusion The Intouchables vs The Upside Main Storylines “The Intouchables” (2011) “The Intouchables,” directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, is a French comedy-drama based on the real-life story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo and his caregiver Abdel Sellou. The film follows the life of Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat who hires Driss, a young man from projects with a criminal record, to be his live-in caregiver. The story revolves around the transformational journey of these two individuals, who come from vastly different backgrounds and form an unlikely but profoundly beautiful friendship. Through humor and heartwarming moments, the film explores themes of acceptance, breaking societal barriers, and the power of genuine human connection. Click to Watch “The Upside” (2019) “The Upside,” directed by Neil Burger, is an American adaptation of the 2011 French film “The Intouchables.” The story closely mirrors the original but offers a unique perspective. It follows the life of Phillip Lacasse, a wealthy quadriplegic entrepreneur, and his ex-convict caregiver, Dell Scott. Like “The Intouchables,” the film explores the blossoming friendship between the two main characters. It is a tale of personal growth and the positive impact that unexpected friendships can have on one’s life. The film, while maintaining the essence of the original story, also incorporates cultural differences and perspectives, making it more relatable to an American audience. Click to Watch Commonalities & Differences Setting and Cultural Context: One of the most significant differences between the two films is their setting and cultural context. “The Intouchables” is set in France and deals with the societal issues and class divides specific to that country. On the other hand, “The Upside” takes place in the United States, offering a different cultural backdrop that highlights certain American-specific concerns and challenges. Characters: Both films feature a quadriplegic character and a caregiver with a troubled past. In “The Intouchables,” Philippe and Driss are the main characters, while “The Upside” features Phillip and Dell. While the characters share similar backgrounds, the nuances of their personalities and character development differ slightly in each film. Humor and Heart: Both films balance humor and heart exceptionally well. They deliver laughter and emotional resonance through the unique dynamics between the characters, showcasing the transformative power of friendship. The humor in “The Intouchables” has a distinctly French flair, while “The Upside” infuses American humor into the narrative. Themes: The central themes of both films remain the same: friendship, personal growth, and the idea that genuine connections can transcend societal boundaries. While “The Intouchables” delves into the class disparities prevalent in French society, “The Upside” adds its perspective on American societal issues, such as rehabilitation and social reintegration. Also Read: The Holiday vs Love Actually Direction Quality “The Intouchables” boasts a wonderful blend of humor and heart. Directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano masterfully capture the essence of the story and characters, making the audience laugh, cry, and think deeply about the value of human connection. The film’s direction is accompanied by superb performances from François Cluzet as Philippe and Omar Sy as Driss, who breathe life into their roles. In contrast, “The Upside” directed by Neil Burger offers an Americanized version of the story. Burger maintains the emotional core of the original film while tailoring it to an American audience. The direction in “The Upside” is solid, with Bryan Cranston delivering a compelling performance as Phillip and Kevin Hart offering a balance of humor and sensitivity as Dell. Why Watch Them? Both “The Intouchables” and “The Upside” are worth watching for several reasons: Inspirational Stories: These films offer heartwarming and inspirational stories of friendship, resilience, and personal growth, reminding us of the power of human connections. Superb Performances: The cast in both movies delivers outstanding performances that breathe life into their characters, making the stories all the more engaging and relatable. Emotional Impact: Prepare to laugh and cry as you watch the characters evolve and learn from one another, leaving a profound impact on your emotions. Cultural Insights: These films provide insights into the societal issues and cultural dynamics of both France and the United States, making them culturally enriching experiences. Are They Safe for Kids? While both “The Intouchables” and “The Upside” have PG-13 ratings, they may not be suitable for younger children due to some mature themes, occasional strong language, and scenes involving substance abuse. Parents should exercise discretion when considering these films for family viewing and may want to watch them first to determine their appropriateness for their children. Ratings on IMDb & Rotten Tomatoes “The Intouchables” IMDb: The film holds a strong IMDb rating of 8.5/10, reflecting its universal appeal and emotional impact. Rotten Tomatoes: On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an impressive Tomatometer score of 75%, with an audience score of 93%. “The Upside” IMDb: “The Upside” has an IMDb rating of 6.9/10, indicating its overall positive reception among viewers. Rotten Tomatoes: The film has a Tomatometer score of 41%, with an audience score of 74%. Conclusion “The Intouchables” and “The Upside” are both heartwarming and inspirational films that explore the transformative power of friendship. While “The Intouchables” is the original French gem that set the standard for this compelling story, “The Upside” successfully adapts it for an American audience, offering cultural insights specific to the United States. Each film has its unique charm and appeal, and the choice between them largely depends on your preference for the setting, cultural context, and the cultural background of the characters. If you appreciate the authenticity of the original and a deep connection to French culture, “The Intouchables” is a must-watch with its outstanding direction and powerful performances. On the other hand, if you prefer a more Americanized version of the story, “The Upside” will still provide a heartwarming and entertaining experience. Ultimately, both films deliver an emotional and unforgettable cinematic journey that highlights the beauty of human connections, leaving a lasting impact on their viewers. Whether you choose to watch “The Intouchables” or “The Upside,” you’re in for an inspirational and heartwarming treat. Screen Showdowns
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