It's not difficult to see how certain things can lose something in translation. When this film was released in its native France, it went on to become the biggest release of all time domestically. That's not to say that its journey across the channel would necessarily achieve similar success. After all, French films could be accused as having a certain je ne sais quoi that doesn't always travel well.

Thankfully though, this film's native success was well warranted and much deserved.

Coming as he does from a large family, it's no surprise that Driss (Omar Sy) wants a quiet life. All he's after is three signatures to state that he turned up for job interviews, so he can continue to receive welfare for him and his kin.

What he doesn't expect is for Philippe (François Cluzet) – a wealthy Parisian who became a quadriplegic after a horrific paragliding accident – to decide to hire him as his carer over all the other candidates.

Driss accepts the position, as it also offers him accommodation, allowing him to get out from under his mother's feet in their packed flat full of his brothers and sisters.

Middle-class Philippe has absolutely nothing in common with this young, brash man from the streets. And yet over time, the pair develop a curious relationship which manages to prove beneficial to both parties as their unusual friendship blossoms.

You could have at least let me put my snow tyres on!!!

Directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano could easily have taken the French farce route with this material. But perhaps because the film is based on a true story, they have produced a truly warm and tender buddy film.

It works due to two great performances from its male leads. Sy oozes charisma as the cocky, streetwise Driss; he proves to be a little over-confident at times, especially where women are concerned, but displays a big heart. Cluzet has slightly more to do with his portrayal of Philippe, after all, he only has from the neck up to work with. And yet he still manages to create emotional impact.

The two of them on screen together just adds up to a winning combination. Although the story of two individuals from very different backgrounds coming together and forming a relationship isn't exactly a new one, the two characters generate such warmth and charm, it's difficult to not get swept up in proceedings.

It's reminiscent of 1996's The Eighth Day, starring Daniel Auteuil and Pascal Duquenne, in that two very different characters are thrown together with entertaining success. Driss and Philippe's relationship shouldn't really work, but there's something tender and heart-warming in the fact that it does.

The film is also, thankfully, completely free of gooey syrupiness, offering instead a surprisingly rewarding experience that you would have to be a hard individual not to be touched by.