The Intouchables (French Film)

In general, I tend not to be an advocate for Foreign Films.  However, with that being said, I have watched my fair share of some good and some bad over the years.  A friend, who resides in the Netherlands, had recommended this film to me several months ago during her visit.  Ever since then, I have been anxiously awaiting its debut in the American market. 

The Intouchables is a remarkable French film that is based on a true story about an ex-con (Driss) from the projects, who is hired to take care of an eccentric French aristocrat (Philippe).  As this unlikely duo overcomes adversity of every flavor in  this story, they also shatter their preconceptions of love, life and each other.  Based on the #1 International best-selling book, You Changed My Life, this story is adventurous, humorous and emotionally enlightening all in one.  Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film, I could easily recommend it to individuals who might be interested in Foreign Films, but who are intimidated by the language barrier.  This film's plot is very easy to follow even if you are not a master of the French language and is arguably one of the best Foreign Films I have ever watched.  I highly recommend it, but its 'R' rating (for language and some drug use) makes it not suitable for young children.  Otherwise, there is really nothing in it that I found to be offensive (in my opinion) at all.  BC-Library Director

The story of a house

Reading Inheritance: the Story of Knole and the Sackvilles is a fascinating way to review British history through generations of the Sackville family living at Knole. Robert Sackville-West, the author and current resident of the house now owned by the National Trust, researched his topic very carefully and provides the facts starting in 1604. The book moves quickly from the 1st through 6th Earl of Dorset to the 1st through 3rd Duke of Dorset to the Dowager Duchess and her Descendants "The very name of Sackville. . . near extinction" (1799-1888). Knole was taken over by the National Trust in 1946 with family living in apartments or separate wings. Many inhabitants suffered depression, sometimes the result of dealing with primogeniture. It was very difficult for the wives to give their lives to a house that would never be theirs. The author had to make the decision of whether to move from a cottage to the "big house" (and its lack of privacy with 80,000 visitors a year) when he took over. Since I have not visited Knole, I especially enjoyed the photos of furniture, paintings and even the marble tomb in the family chapel.