Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that The Intouchables is an award-winning French drama based on the true story of a wealthy quadriplegic and his down-and-out personal aide. Like most odd-couple stories, the drama includes worthwhile lessons about friendship being deeper than the superficial differences that divide people (in this case, race, wealth, education, and physical ability). It's subtitled, but there are about 10 translated uses of "f--k," as well as "s--t," "a--hole," and other insults. There are several references to sex, an ongoing comedic flirtation between a man and an uninterested woman, and plenty of cigarettes, wine, and even some marijuana -- used both medicinally and for leisure.
Sexual
Content
A man shamelessly flirts with and propositions an uninterested woman, who sometimes plays along by unbuttoning her top a few buttons while the man disrobes down to his underwear. Bikini-clad "massage therapists" (prostitutes) have to be told not try to go below the waist. Teenagers make out until they're interrupted. A woman who's revealed to be a lesbian suggests a "threesome" but is doing it as a joke.
Violence
Driss intimidates a couple of guys (one of them a teen) by shoving them against a wall and getting in their face. The police -- with guns drawn -- handcuff and act rough with Driss until they notice Philippe in the car. Driss' younger brother is under a drug dealer's thumb. An older woman slaps a younger man. At one point, Philippe, a quadriplegic, looks like he's in distress and even about to die.
Language
The movie is subtitled, so only French speakers will understand the spoken curse words. But in the subtitles, there are about 10 uses of "f--k" and even more of "s--t," as well as "a--hole," "ass," and insults like "moron," "idiot, " "insane," "jerk," "crazy," and the occasional religious exclamation.
Social
Behavior
The Intouchables offers valuable reminders about how you can't assume anything about anyone regardless of their wealth, education, or physical abilities. Philippe and Driss' trusting, open relationship proves that race, status, and disability don't have to be obstacles to understanding and unconditional friendship. Disability also doesn't have to stop a person from finding love.
Consumerism
A Maserati is prominently featured and driven. An iPod makes an appearance in a couple of scenes, as does a Kangol hat.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The movie takes place in France, where smoking cigarettes is still very common. Several characters smoke them, and adults are also shown smoking marijuana. Wine and cocktails are shown at every meal or party, and a teen girl purposely combines anti-diarrhea medication with painkillers after she's dumped (she's OK, though). A sick man takes many prescription drugs and uses pot to help with his appetite. A teen boy is arrested for marijuana possession.
