Philippe is based directly on the real person. The portrayal of his background, accident, disability, intelligence, and core personality aligns closely with his memoirs, with minor dramatic license typical of biopics.

Based on Abdel Sellou. The film captures his personality, unconventional approach, and transformative impact on Philippe accurately. However, his name, nationality (Senegalese vs. Algerian), and some specific background details were changed for the film.

Represents the real-life essential household staff who worked for Philippe, likely based on or a composite of key figures like his housekeeper, though possibly with name/details altered.

Likely a fictional character created for a romantic subplot involving Driss and to facilitate certain comedic or plot points.

Philippe Pozzo di Borgo did adopt children. Elisa represents his daughter, though her age, specific interactions, and potentially her name might be adjusted for the film's narrative.

Based on Philippe's second wife, Khadija. The film changes her name and some details about their initial contact and meeting for dramatic purposes, but the core story of their relationship developing from correspondence is true.

The real Philippe Pozzo di Borgo became quadriplegic after a paragliding accident in 1993.

Philippe did hire Abdel Sellou, who had a criminal record and no experience, impressed by his directness and lack of pity, as depicted in the unconventional interview process.

Abdel Sellou has confirmed he initially attended the interview primarily to get proof of rejection for unemployment benefits.

The core of the film – the deep, transformative friendship between the two men from vastly different worlds – is entirely based on their real-life bond as described in their respective memoirs.

Accurately portrays the practical challenges and steep learning curve involved in Driss/Abdel learning to care for Philippe, as well as the initial adjustments due to their different personalities.

The film accurately reflects how Abdel introduced Philippe to aspects of popular culture and a more adventurous attitude (fast cars, marijuana mentioned in memoirs), while Philippe shared high culture with Abdel.

Many incidents depicted are based on real events described in the memoirs (like reckless driving for fun, shared paragliding). Specific details or dialogues might be condensed or dramatized for cinematic effect.

Based on Abdel Sellou's real background growing up in the banlieues and dealing with family matters, though specific events involving Adama are likely fictionalized.

Philippe did develop a relationship through correspondence with his second wife, Khadija (from Morocco, not Dunkirk as in film), whom he later married.

Abdel Sellou played a significant role in encouraging Philippe to pursue the relationship and eventually meet Khadija.

Abdel Sellou did eventually leave Philippe's full-time employ after several years to pursue his own life and family, though they remained close friends.

Philippe eventually met and married Khadija, with whom he moved to Morocco and had children.

The film accurately captures the core truth described by both men: their unusual friendship profoundly changed both their lives for the better.

The luxurious hôtel particulier accurately reflects the wealthy, aristocratic environment of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo in Paris.

Represents the contrasting social housing projects (banlieues) on the outskirts of Paris where Abdel Sellou grew up, depicting the different social reality accurately.

The film utilizes real Parisian locations effectively, showcasing iconic landmarks alongside everyday streets, galleries, concert halls, reflecting the city where the story unfolds.

Scenes depicting paragliding take place in appropriate mountainous locations (like Annecy), reflecting Philippe's past hobby and the setting where Driss/Abdel tries it.

The film accurately portrays the type of wheelchair, adapted vehicles, and daily medical/care equipment used by and for someone with Philippe's level of paralysis during the time period.

These elements accurately reflect the immense wealth and associated lifestyle of Philippe Pozzo di Borgo.

Accurately portrays the cultural venues and social events frequented by Philippe's social class.

The film effectively uses the settings to highlight the stark contrast between Philippe's world of inherited wealth/culture and Driss's world of the immigrant banlieues.

The film is set correctly during the period when the real relationship between Philippe and Abdel developed.