It is a shame that a meaningful film like this one is not promoted to get more people to watch it, because it contains many hard truths that need to be told, but at least the filmmakers don't ram the message down the viewer's throat the way some movies do. Vincent Cassel, always a dependable actor, is at his career-best here. He is ably supported by a competent cast led by Reda Kateb. I really wish everyone gets to see this special movie, but it is especially recommended for those who are caregivers.
31 Reviews
Unbelievable...
Thanos_Alfie20 October 2021
"The Specials" is a Comedy - Drama movie in which we watch two men being responsible for two separate nonprofit organizations for children and adolescents with autism. They both run their organizations for more than twenty years and they also train young people to become caregivers.
I was amazed by this movie because it presented the real face of not only autism on children and adults but also how society and healthcare system treat them. I could not believe how horrible is the healthcare system regarding these cases and how only a few people from nonprofit organizations truly care about them. The interpretations of both Vincent Cassel who played as Bruno Haroche and Reda Kateb who played as Malik were very good and they presented how is the life of a person responsible for so many children with autism. All in all, I have to say that "The Specials" is an amazing movie and I highly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure that you won't only learn more about autism but even more about society and the healthcare system..
I was amazed by this movie because it presented the real face of not only autism on children and adults but also how society and healthcare system treat them. I could not believe how horrible is the healthcare system regarding these cases and how only a few people from nonprofit organizations truly care about them. The interpretations of both Vincent Cassel who played as Bruno Haroche and Reda Kateb who played as Malik were very good and they presented how is the life of a person responsible for so many children with autism. All in all, I have to say that "The Specials" is an amazing movie and I highly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure that you won't only learn more about autism but even more about society and the healthcare system..
So pure and genuine
dyonisus29 November 2019
At some points in the movie I felt like they used real disabled persons and some of the reactions were seriously genuine. I'm not sure if they actually did, but I wouldn't be suprised.
The movie is almost like a documentary just following the lives of Reno and his association, who take care of disabled kids no one else can deal with, while still following a traditional narrative. The former is due to the real-life influence the movie has.
The acting is top-notch, I almost didn't feel like watching a movie but watching actual events instead. The story is great too and to top it off it comes with a message. It's just a nice, heartwarming movie which left me smiling throughout most of the film.
A deeply moving film
richard-178724 October 2019
This is a deeply moving film, dealing with a difficult subject - autism - in a no-holds-bared fashion. The acting is first rate. The story is admirably structured. I was surprised when it ended, which means it moved right along. The audience I saw it with was left speechless at the end, and for good reason.
This is NOT a feel-good movie in the American sense. But it is a deeply humane movie, with real people and not flat stereotypes. It should earn a lot of very deserved awards.
This is NOT a feel-good movie in the American sense. But it is a deeply humane movie, with real people and not flat stereotypes. It should earn a lot of very deserved awards.
a deep and emotionally satisfying experience
mjfhhh17 April 2020
Bruno and Malik couldn't be too different. Bruno is Jewish, Malik is Arab. Bruno is a loner Malik is a family man. But they are united to help children with autism. And this passion drives every day of their life.
We often forget what a definition of a good person is. In THE EXTRAORDINARY it's those who don't look away and don't give up when things get hard. Once again the duo Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano (The Intouchables) wrote and directed a film about real people standing up to great hardships, and they've done it with a lot of heart, humour and no preaching.
The film's first shot could be one from a thriller - a young girl is running from her pursuers through the city steers, only to be caught and drugged into a van, which quickly drives away. This is a common theme of the film - a fight with preconceptions. What seems like a kidnapping is actually a rescue mission.
Nakache and Toledano created a perfect style of story telling - through small character story arcs and anecdotes they speak of a greater things, creating a versatile canvas of the world their characters live in.
The other strength is in choosing their cast: Vincent Cassel and Reda Kateb are at the peak of their popularity in France and have a perfect chemistry. The script is written with honesty, clarity, irony and humour and can only be described as perfect.
With its themes of following one's calling and challenging the rules society creates for the problems it doesn't understand, THE EXTRAORDINARY is deep and emotionally satisfying experience.
We often forget what a definition of a good person is. In THE EXTRAORDINARY it's those who don't look away and don't give up when things get hard. Once again the duo Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano (The Intouchables) wrote and directed a film about real people standing up to great hardships, and they've done it with a lot of heart, humour and no preaching.
The film's first shot could be one from a thriller - a young girl is running from her pursuers through the city steers, only to be caught and drugged into a van, which quickly drives away. This is a common theme of the film - a fight with preconceptions. What seems like a kidnapping is actually a rescue mission.
Nakache and Toledano created a perfect style of story telling - through small character story arcs and anecdotes they speak of a greater things, creating a versatile canvas of the world their characters live in.
The other strength is in choosing their cast: Vincent Cassel and Reda Kateb are at the peak of their popularity in France and have a perfect chemistry. The script is written with honesty, clarity, irony and humour and can only be described as perfect.
With its themes of following one's calling and challenging the rules society creates for the problems it doesn't understand, THE EXTRAORDINARY is deep and emotionally satisfying experience.
An endearing and moving movie
FrenchEddieFelson1 August 2019
I had the privilege to watch this film at a French preview on June 25, during the inaugural evening of the brand new "UGC Ciné cité Parly", right next to Versailles, in the suburbs of Paris. Many official speeches (CEO of UGC, local mayor, ...) with that of Éric Toledano at the end.
The film is tip top with two main qualities: 1) the actors play excellently, in particular Reda Kateb and Vincent Cassel, but not only, the whole cast being awesome. 2) The film deals with beneficence and philanthropy. This is clearly out of the ordinary, people being traditionally turned to themselves.
So, you may approach this cinematographic UFO as a feel good movie (thanks to the generosity of the characters) in a sad context (autism). As a synthesis: 7/8 of 10.
The film is tip top with two main qualities: 1) the actors play excellently, in particular Reda Kateb and Vincent Cassel, but not only, the whole cast being awesome. 2) The film deals with beneficence and philanthropy. This is clearly out of the ordinary, people being traditionally turned to themselves.
So, you may approach this cinematographic UFO as a feel good movie (thanks to the generosity of the characters) in a sad context (autism). As a synthesis: 7/8 of 10.
A deeply moving film
mbrcf26 January 2020
Based on the true story of a man named Stephane Benhamou and his organization, The film tells the story of Bruno, a middle-aged French man who has dedicated his life to help and support people and families dealing with autism. Bruno, played flawlessly by Vincent Cassel, runs a semi-pro organization along his friend and colleague Malik (Reda Kateb) and together they do all they possibly can to build a life for children and adolescents with the most severe cases od autism.
This film is sharply written, you'll get throwed into the heart of story form the very first minutes and you'll get to know the various characters, the legal problems of the organization, the children and their parents (or lack there of) and as the story unfolds to you bit by bit, you'll soon forget that you're just watching a motion picture, you'll forget that Cassel and Kateb are two superstars imposing as these roles.
This is a very moving film. It clearly is a passion project for the directors (they actually waited a long time to make this), and the film is simply amazing. I wish this was on every screen instead of some crap they're showing these days.
This film is sharply written, you'll get throwed into the heart of story form the very first minutes and you'll get to know the various characters, the legal problems of the organization, the children and their parents (or lack there of) and as the story unfolds to you bit by bit, you'll soon forget that you're just watching a motion picture, you'll forget that Cassel and Kateb are two superstars imposing as these roles.
This is a very moving film. It clearly is a passion project for the directors (they actually waited a long time to make this), and the film is simply amazing. I wish this was on every screen instead of some crap they're showing these days.
Insightful and funny and sometimes touching too
Horst_In_Translation30 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Hors normes" is a relatively new French movie, namely from 2019, and this was a big player at the most recent César Awards ceremony, the French Oscars where it scored so many nominations, but eventually came short in every category. Still this film was quite a success I believe, also with audiences and it resulted in a lot of money. But this should not really surprise anybody because the duo that wrote and directed here consists of Nakache and Toledano and these two had their big breakthrough with Intouchables a while ago, still one of the most famous French films ever. Apparently, they always collaborate. And prestigious actors want to be in their movies. The best example is Vincent Cassel here, an actor I always adore. He has a bit of a sinister take to him, but in this movie here, unlike many other films he has been in, he plays a downright good guy, a man working for an independent organisation that supports young people with autism. The degrees are different. Some are really severe cases, while others are at least slightly normal. We meet many of these characters here, be it the girl from very early on who managed to get away (and it almost felt like an abduction when they get her back) and we do not really find out a lot about her character, except that she shows up again at the end once more, be it the one from closed psychiatry who manages to get away near the end (many manage to get away apparently) or be it the one who is crushing on his colleague, which is a key reason why he cannot stay there as a worker because how he touches her. So it is definitely not a feel-good movie, even if there are uplifting moments and scenes. But reality bites too on many occasions. Be it the lost job I mentioned, a broken nose or also visibly away from the kids how Cassel's character struggles really hard with making sure they can keep working. This becomes obvious during the interview with these supervisors near the end where he also has a bit of a meltdown, but who can blame him with how stressful his job is really.
The lighter moments mostly included some kind of romance. That even rhymes. Be it the protagonists unsuccessful shots at love that are constantly interruupted by his profession or be it the new young Black employee crushing on the speech therapist, these moments will put a smile on your lips for sure here and there. For me it applied more to Cassel's scenes, but I am biased here because I truly enjoy the actor. The ending was good too with how the young man finally managed the train ride without using the emergency alarm causing the train to stop, but one second they are not looking and he does it again at the station and they all run away quickly afterwards. But it is also the situational comedy with hich the film delivers. Just take these really big chubby Jewish folks in their traditional outfits and how they are apparently those in charge of making sure everybody gets enough to eat. It made me a bit hungry I will not deny it. I think everybody in the cast did a decent job here, down to the smaller supporting players. The MVP is Cassel of course though and I am pretty sure I would say so too if I was unbiased. Good hhe also got a César nomination. The one for his Reda Kateb, who plays his colleague, surprises me a bit though. His material was not that good and his screen time was also down, but still he managed to get in for Lead Actor. But I am not mad about it, he was alright. Also surprised by Hélène Vincent's nomination for sure with howw little screen time she had, but that really tragic final scene probably helped her when loneliness and fear overwhelm her and she says she is more likely to kill herself and her son than to leave him alone one day in this world when she dies. Shocking stuff, but even this was treated in a slightly light way again with Cassel's charcater staying for the carrot cake because he could not leave her alone in that mental state. So there was a lot wrong and broken right before the end of the movie and I am not sure if this stage play out of nowhere (also with Vincent's character in the audience being stunned) did not feel a bit too much of a forced somewhat happy ending. But it is tolerable I suppose. Also Vincent was somewhat the only older female cast member here (did I just assume her gender?? oh no! how rude!) and also at the same time the only female cast member I felt was not pretty hot or stunning. Many beautiful women in this film (oh no I did it again). Sometimes it reminded me a bit of the recent Ladj Ly movie that was an even bigger success, even nominated for an Oscar, in terms of the aggressions and anger and references to society and dealing with outcasts. This one here is not as violent as Ly's work, but at least as sobering I'd say. Also lighter here and there for sure. The French filmmakers are just so much better when it comes to dramedy making a statement about the current state of society, poverty, conflicts between ethnicities or support groups and official government institutions compared to how German films do in that department. Pathetic, that is. Just take a look at "Willkommen bei den Hartmanns" from recently. An utterly unrealistic, unauthentic mess from beginning to end. This one here is the exact opposite. It feels real, smart and making a statement and deserves very much to be seen. Here and there I had a moment where I as close to giving this four stars out of five, but overall I shall stay with three. Maybe on rewatch. But no hesitation at all that this deserves a thumbs-up and positive recommendation. Go watch it if you get the chance!
The lighter moments mostly included some kind of romance. That even rhymes. Be it the protagonists unsuccessful shots at love that are constantly interruupted by his profession or be it the new young Black employee crushing on the speech therapist, these moments will put a smile on your lips for sure here and there. For me it applied more to Cassel's scenes, but I am biased here because I truly enjoy the actor. The ending was good too with how the young man finally managed the train ride without using the emergency alarm causing the train to stop, but one second they are not looking and he does it again at the station and they all run away quickly afterwards. But it is also the situational comedy with hich the film delivers. Just take these really big chubby Jewish folks in their traditional outfits and how they are apparently those in charge of making sure everybody gets enough to eat. It made me a bit hungry I will not deny it. I think everybody in the cast did a decent job here, down to the smaller supporting players. The MVP is Cassel of course though and I am pretty sure I would say so too if I was unbiased. Good hhe also got a César nomination. The one for his Reda Kateb, who plays his colleague, surprises me a bit though. His material was not that good and his screen time was also down, but still he managed to get in for Lead Actor. But I am not mad about it, he was alright. Also surprised by Hélène Vincent's nomination for sure with howw little screen time she had, but that really tragic final scene probably helped her when loneliness and fear overwhelm her and she says she is more likely to kill herself and her son than to leave him alone one day in this world when she dies. Shocking stuff, but even this was treated in a slightly light way again with Cassel's charcater staying for the carrot cake because he could not leave her alone in that mental state. So there was a lot wrong and broken right before the end of the movie and I am not sure if this stage play out of nowhere (also with Vincent's character in the audience being stunned) did not feel a bit too much of a forced somewhat happy ending. But it is tolerable I suppose. Also Vincent was somewhat the only older female cast member here (did I just assume her gender?? oh no! how rude!) and also at the same time the only female cast member I felt was not pretty hot or stunning. Many beautiful women in this film (oh no I did it again). Sometimes it reminded me a bit of the recent Ladj Ly movie that was an even bigger success, even nominated for an Oscar, in terms of the aggressions and anger and references to society and dealing with outcasts. This one here is not as violent as Ly's work, but at least as sobering I'd say. Also lighter here and there for sure. The French filmmakers are just so much better when it comes to dramedy making a statement about the current state of society, poverty, conflicts between ethnicities or support groups and official government institutions compared to how German films do in that department. Pathetic, that is. Just take a look at "Willkommen bei den Hartmanns" from recently. An utterly unrealistic, unauthentic mess from beginning to end. This one here is the exact opposite. It feels real, smart and making a statement and deserves very much to be seen. Here and there I had a moment where I as close to giving this four stars out of five, but overall I shall stay with three. Maybe on rewatch. But no hesitation at all that this deserves a thumbs-up and positive recommendation. Go watch it if you get the chance!
Brilliantly 'non-Hollywoodlistic' portrayal of a societal issue at large
tobias-munch16 February 2020
This is definitely one of the better films of the year. The plot is brilliantly non-Hollywoodlistic in terms of no major narrational jumps or peaks, but instead situates itself as almost daily depiction of the life of Bruno, Malik and the rest. Whilst dealing with difficult societal issues it, in classic french drama-style uses humour and feel-good scenes to highlight certain issues, but the overall feeling left after watching the film is that it does so to perfection.
What a great story
pablitoooooo7 December 2019
This is probably not the best movie this year in any particular aspect. It is the fact that it's outstanding in many of them which makes it one of the memorable ones for me.
Sure, the story is made to please. There's no twist in the plot or sophistication in the narration technique. Nothing too innovative about it indeed. The message alone, however, is very powerful, despite its predictability. Add a well-measured balance of dramatic and hilarious moments, a story that moves fast along with remarkable acting, and the movie stands.
You'll get the best out of it if you watch it in French, of course. Very certainly worth one's time.
Sure, the story is made to please. There's no twist in the plot or sophistication in the narration technique. Nothing too innovative about it indeed. The message alone, however, is very powerful, despite its predictability. Add a well-measured balance of dramatic and hilarious moments, a story that moves fast along with remarkable acting, and the movie stands.
You'll get the best out of it if you watch it in French, of course. Very certainly worth one's time.
Competent clone
Ladiloque16 January 2021
Dozens of others movies have been produced on the subject of cognitive disability. Most leaning towards the tearjerking drama.
Here we have one that makes you smile or laugh (10-20 times) and which attempts a realistic depiction of some grey (and grim) areas of social services provided today in an "advanced economy" (France).
The result is uneven: writing isn't good enough (a lot of genre tropes and cliches), direction is mediocre and actors with no range can't save the below average script. The fun is systematically bittersweet and you wonder why you're watching this: to be educated about something? certainly you can't feel too good in the face of such dramatic situations, or can you? (personally I wouldn't feel guilty if offered a really funny experience in the same context).
To sum it up the film's faults are too many to recommend it (I forgot about the length: 30 minutes out of 2 hours could be easily cut). Watch it only if you want to feel that disturbing sense of guilt for the inadeguacy of our social services ("it's all about money")... or if you need it (which - being able to recognize it - perhaps qualifies you as a person that doesn't).
Mesmerizing instrumental piece by the Grandbrothers.
The result is uneven: writing isn't good enough (a lot of genre tropes and cliches), direction is mediocre and actors with no range can't save the below average script. The fun is systematically bittersweet and you wonder why you're watching this: to be educated about something? certainly you can't feel too good in the face of such dramatic situations, or can you? (personally I wouldn't feel guilty if offered a really funny experience in the same context).
To sum it up the film's faults are too many to recommend it (I forgot about the length: 30 minutes out of 2 hours could be easily cut). Watch it only if you want to feel that disturbing sense of guilt for the inadeguacy of our social services ("it's all about money")... or if you need it (which - being able to recognize it - perhaps qualifies you as a person that doesn't).
Mesmerizing instrumental piece by the Grandbrothers.
Warmhearted, endearing portrait of the care for autistic people.
imseeg23 October 2021
The story: this movie portrays an independent volunteer organisation that helps the most severe autistic patients, which cant get / find any help from the official care providers. Because this volunteer organisation is not an official care provider, they get inquiries by the official government agencies. Will they be able to keep providing care for these vunerable autistic patients or will they be shut down by the government because of bureacratic rules?
The good: endearing, warmhearted portrait of volunteers who care for those autistic people who are abondoned by the official care providers.
More good: some of the finest French actors, performing at their best, among one of them is the famous actor Vincent Cassel, who plays a care giver who dedicates his entire life to the care of autitistic patients.
Autistic people struggle tremendously with intense fears in very ordinary situations, like taking a subway or solliciting for a job. With these very severe autistic people their fears get "translated" into very severe behavioural disorders, like self obsessive repetitive behaviour or even self mutalation.
Not many movies get made about autistic people. This is definitely one that is straight from the heart. Endearing, impressive and shocking, but in the end uplifting and hopeful, because with proper care even the most severe autistic people can improve the quality of their restricted lives...
The good: endearing, warmhearted portrait of volunteers who care for those autistic people who are abondoned by the official care providers.
More good: some of the finest French actors, performing at their best, among one of them is the famous actor Vincent Cassel, who plays a care giver who dedicates his entire life to the care of autitistic patients.
Autistic people struggle tremendously with intense fears in very ordinary situations, like taking a subway or solliciting for a job. With these very severe autistic people their fears get "translated" into very severe behavioural disorders, like self obsessive repetitive behaviour or even self mutalation.
Not many movies get made about autistic people. This is definitely one that is straight from the heart. Endearing, impressive and shocking, but in the end uplifting and hopeful, because with proper care even the most severe autistic people can improve the quality of their restricted lives...
A really stunning film
latinfineart26 December 2020
Vincent Cassal was at his normally great level of performance, the other actors surrounding him were superb, the direction was fantastic and this was just a very genuine, very heartfelt film about a powerful and an important issue.
The kids were treated with a great deal of respect and dignity and as usual the state was the bad actor in this story. But that's to be expected. A very good film, expertly made and a story of great power.
The kids were treated with a great deal of respect and dignity and as usual the state was the bad actor in this story. But that's to be expected. A very good film, expertly made and a story of great power.
Fantastic script, superb acting
nico-boss20 April 2020
I did love everything about this movie: the actors are all very sympathic, the cut, the music and of course the amazing story. I didnt get bored one single minute. i soaked up all those positive energy from this movie and now im trying to be a better human myself.
We don t know how luck we are
jmggmarques2 March 2020
Truly amazing
robertnl251327 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A truly outstanding and at times an intensely moving film, 'Hors Normes' discusses a less visible side of society, autism and by society 'rejected' autistic teenagers. The film is situated in Paris, but it could be any other large city in the world. Another facet of the film, another message, Jews and Muslims working together in harmony and friendship, I found extremely pleasing. First class acting by Messrs Cassel and Kateb and supporting cast
The score was amazing too.
dissapointing and boring
iwichel7 March 2020
Toledano and Nackache made 2 great movies Untouchables and Cest la vie that brought us emotions laugh and even cry. This movie is made in a documentary way. No emotion. No surprise. No reason to go to the movies to watch it
Love that can not be measured by standards
clinluo4 May 2020
Adapted from real events, "Outside the Standard" tells the story of an autism care provider who gives everything to autistic people. This blueprint makes itself shine with human brilliance, and the film Under the restraint of restrained emotional expression, the focus on institutions and nursing staff who are outside the "standard" of nursing. It reflects a social problem that is ignored by ordinary people. At the same time, the film also gives love a touching form.
Awareness
thebeachlife15 February 2020
You live and learn. From watching this film I learned more about autistic children and their socialization. The message of the film has a social value, however, to me personally it was more than that. Although I do not work with adolescents with autism, I see them on a regular basis at work, and the film gave me an insight into their situation and their needs.
I take off my hat in front of those who chose to work with these kids and give them personal attention and time.
A very educational and topical film.
Raw but beautiful
anniezbra1 December 2019
Well made movie.
djxpose-ro12 October 2019
To be 'different'
lukasbazan11 October 2020
This movie hit me hard in a lot of places because I am in the autistic spectrum myself and though my diagnosis isn't as extreme as the cases portrayed in the film, it still hits home at my very core.
Every actor here shines with honesty, warmth and heart. Vincent Cassel and Reda Kateb are perfectly cast; they feel alive, in a good, non-stereotypical kind of way. Although they are as flawed as any of us, they are driven to give people with autism compassion, empathy and love (especially the last one!)
The government officials that try to investigate Bruno's and Malik's organisation are also left with a choice of morality: will they go out of their way and let the organisation be, even though no one in it is has any medical degree whatsoever or is trained in the ways of dealing with autistic individuals? Or will they report the organisation as ramshackled and chaotic, basically sentencing the autistic individuals to a life in 'a madhouse'? It could be all these things, yet the answer is never clear cut because the subject matter is an area filled with grey patches.
I couls go on and on about the system because I had almost been in it myself, were it not for my family's love and devotion to see their child grow up in a healthy way. But to do that would be to downplay what the core message of this film and what it represents as a whole in a society that shuns those who are just 'different'.
Love and compassion can go a very long way in shaping an individuals life for years, and autistic people are just the same in that regard. We just need some more time! :)
Every actor here shines with honesty, warmth and heart. Vincent Cassel and Reda Kateb are perfectly cast; they feel alive, in a good, non-stereotypical kind of way. Although they are as flawed as any of us, they are driven to give people with autism compassion, empathy and love (especially the last one!)
The government officials that try to investigate Bruno's and Malik's organisation are also left with a choice of morality: will they go out of their way and let the organisation be, even though no one in it is has any medical degree whatsoever or is trained in the ways of dealing with autistic individuals? Or will they report the organisation as ramshackled and chaotic, basically sentencing the autistic individuals to a life in 'a madhouse'? It could be all these things, yet the answer is never clear cut because the subject matter is an area filled with grey patches.
I couls go on and on about the system because I had almost been in it myself, were it not for my family's love and devotion to see their child grow up in a healthy way. But to do that would be to downplay what the core message of this film and what it represents as a whole in a society that shuns those who are just 'different'.
Love and compassion can go a very long way in shaping an individuals life for years, and autistic people are just the same in that regard. We just need some more time! :)
An Islamic approach on how to get closer to the mentally lesser people
mrdonleone25 October 2022
This movie does not know where it should end as it continues and it keeps on going on even though the end go has way past beyond the station and it's really too much because you are not interested in all this political pamphlets that the movie makers are trying to force open their viewers without them giving permission for it or even asking for it it's a whole sad consequence of events that naturally a movie with a title like this one you definitely must agree that it simply has to have some left wing meaning and that is the setting about because otherwise a movie could really be great if they would just not Force the meaning of the movie of the audience. Inshallah.
A movie that everyone should see!
joocha-644996 June 2021
The film conveys the reality in which we live and it is difficult for us to straighten our eyes, as if this problem does not concern us, but we can be complicit in this misfortune. It's this movie that makes us think so much about such things, and if we think about it, we might make a lot of things a lot better. Therefore, it is worth watching this movie. It is also a pleasant to watch and at the same time teaches us many things.
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