“The Upside” Is an American Remake of the French Film “Intouchables”

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In 2011, the French Film Les Intouchables made headlines as a game-changer in modern French cinema. It quickly became the highest-grossing movie in a language other than English worldwide, and sits at number three on the list of highest-grossing films in France of all time.

This heartwarming film tells the tale of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy, elderly quadriplegic, and the ex-con from the banlieues he takes on as his personal aide. But these troubled characters have found an “upside” in a new American remake of the film starring Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, and Nicole Kidman. Though it’s set in New York City, the plot and tone seem almost identical to the original, at least from the trailer that’s out now. And for a movie that deals with sensitive societal issues around class and race, it will be interesting to see how director Neil Burger will translate not just the language of the film, but the content as well.

The Upside will be in theaters all over the United States starting January 11.

Here’s the original trailer for those who need a refresher.

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