"The Intouchables" (original title: "Intouchables") was a critical and commercial success in France, but its impact soon spread globally. Directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, the film tells the true story of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo, a wealthy businessman who becomes quadriplegic after a skiing accident, and Driss Bassiry, a young man from the projects who is hired as his caregiver. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two form an unbreakable bond, leading to a series of comedic misadventures and poignant moments.
Casting the voice actors for an English dub of a film like The Intouchables is a delicate art. The original performances are iconic—Omar Sy’s electric, uninhibited energy won him France’s equivalent of the Oscar. The English dub must not simply translate the words but transpose the personalities . For the English version, the casting of actors who capture Driss’s streetwise swagger and Philippe’s refined, melancholic dignity is critical. While purists may note the loss of Omar Sy’s distinctive vocal rhythm, a successful dub replaces it with a comparable English-language archetype: perhaps the laid-back confidence of a young Eddie Murphy or the dry wit of a British actor for Philippe. The track does not attempt to mimic the French accent; instead, it naturalizes the dialogue into American or British English, making the characters feel familiar to a Western audience without erasing their essential otherness.
Because the movie is inherently French, the option will simply read English , while the French track will be labeled as French [Original] . Subtitles vs. English Audio Track: Which is Better?
Allows you to focus entirely on the beautiful cinematography and the physical acting of the cast. It makes the movie highly accessible to a wider audience, including children and those with reading difficulties. The Intouchables English Audio Track
While The Intouchables is celebrated for its original French performances, you can experience the film with an English audio track through several official platforms. Whether you prefer the dubbed version for accessibility or are searching for the evocative English-lyric songs from its iconic soundtrack, here is everything you need to know. Watching with English Audio
While seeking an English audio track is a valid option, many cinephiles and critics argue that the original French audio is superior. The natural, improvised-sounding dialogue between Omar Sy (Driss) and François Cluzet (Philippe) is central to the film's charm and emotional impact. Their vocal performances are intricately tied to their physical portrayals. Listening to an English dub can sometimes lose the original tone, humour, and delivery. For this reason, watching with English subtitles is often recommended as it preserves the actors' original performances while making the story accessible.
If you are on the fence about how to experience The Intouchables , consider the pros and cons of sticking with the original format versus looking for an English workaround: Original French (with Subtitles) English Remake ( The Upside ) Casting the voice actors for an English dub
Released in 2017, stars Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston in the roles originally played by Omar Sy and François Cluzet. While it follows the same core premise and beats of the true story, it is set in New York City and is performed entirely in English. While critics generally agree that it lacks some of the magic of the French original, it serves as a highly accessible and entertaining alternative for English-speaking audiences.
This guide delves into the nuances of The Intouchables English audio track, the debate between dubbing and subtitling, and where to find the best viewing experience. 1. Does "The Intouchables" Have an English Audio Track?
If you are on the fence about whether to hunt down the English audio track or simply watch the film in French with English subtitles, consider the pros and cons of both. The Case for the English Audio Track For the English version, the casting of actors
When you do watch it, listen closely for Ludovico Einaudi's iconic score, particularly the beautiful piece "Una Mattina," which elevates the film’s emotional core. The film's original soundtrack was officially released by Sony Classical in 2012 and features a celebrated mix of classical piano and iconic songs by Earth, Wind & Fire and George Benson. Have you watched The Intouchables ? Did you see the original version or the English dub? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Instead of dubbing the original movie, Hollywood chose to create an official English-language remake. Released in 2017, The Upside stars Bryan Cranston as the billionaire and Kevin Hart as his ex-con caregiver. While it features the exact same plot beats and structural comedy as The Intouchables , it is an entirely separate American movie, not a dubbed version of the French original. How to Find the English Audio Description (AD) Track
For individuals with vision difficulties or reading disorders like dyslexia, keeping up with fast-paced subtitles can turn an enjoyable movie night into an exhausting chore.