Based on a true story (with a memoir and a documentary to prove it), Intouchables has been wildly popular in France, and it’s not hard to see why.

This story of a wealthy Parisian confined to a wheelchair with no use of his limbs who hires an immigrant from a housing project as his primary caregiver is funny and feels fresh.  As I watched the film, I couldn’t help but think how horrible a Hollywood remake would be because it is the little moments, the realistic seeming performances, and the minimal use of formulaic devices that make the film fun and emotionally satisfying.

I found the pacing a little choppy as the film draws to its close, but in light of how appealing the rest of the film is, I won’t quibble about that.