Based on true events, Untouchable tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and a young, poor man from the ghettos, who is hired as his live-in carer.

Untouchable finally arrives on UK shores September 21st following widespread critical acclaim and audience admiration across most of the rest of the world. Out-grossing a number of Hollywood blockbusters in several territories, Untouchable, or The Intouchables as it was known in America, follows the burgeoning yet unlikely friendship between Philippe (François Cluzet), a wealthy quadriplegic, and Driss (Omar Sy), a young, impoverished man from the ghettos, who is hired as his live-in carer.

Based on a true story, Untouchable has broken records worldwide, topping charts all over the globe and to date racking up a staggering $356million. The heartwarming drama follows the developing friendship of Driss, a street smart ex-con, who becomes disabled millionaire Phillippe’s carer after successfully interviewing for the role of his live-in carer. Driss only goes to the interview for a signature in order to receive his welfare cheques but to his surprise finds himself hired for a trial period. He quickly learns of Phillippe’s disability, the way he must live his life quite differently to his own. The pair discover things in each other that provide their lives with more meaning and the relationship blossoms.

Co-director Olivier Nakache told ComingSoon.net, “We actually saw a documentary about this in 2003. We were really impressed by the story, but we knew back then that it was too soon for us. We felt that we did not have the right weapons in our arsenal as filmmakers and as storytellers, but we did know that it was something that deserved to be used as a subject. It included all the ingredients we like – a strong story and a lot of comedic potential.”

Nakache directs alongside Eric Toledano who believes Untouchable can strike a nerve in America in much the same way as The Artist. “We learn from America and we send a message to America. The Artist is a message, a message of love. We made a buddy movie between a black guy and a white guy. This is a model of America. Remember for example, Trading Places.”

The film was nominated for a total of nine 2012 César Awards, France’s equivalent to the Oscars, including Best Picture, and won Best Actor for breakout star Omar Sy. The film has also won the Grand Prix at the 2011 Tokyo International Film Festival, and audience awards at film festivals including San Francisco, Los Angeles’ COL COA and Nashville. As well as all these accolades, Untouchable was voted the cultural event of 2011 in France with 52% of the votes in the poll.

Unsurprisingly, an American remake is on the cards with The Weinstein Company acquiring the rights to it.

Trailer for Untouchable – released in UK Cinemas Sept 21st:

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