Gerard Depardieu and Gisele Casadesus in a scene from their film “My Afternoon with Margueritte.” (Photo Courtesy of Cohen Media)

A bench is all that was needed to form the relationship of “My Afternoons with Margueritte” two co-stars, Germain and Margueritte. However, from that simple bench an interesting story flanked between two compassionate characters arose.

“My Afternoon with Margueritte” tells of the story of an illiterate handyman by the name of Germain. Germain had a rough childhood, his mother was constantly ridiculing him, and because of that, he never developed the self-confidence needed to complete simple tasks like reading a book.

Answers to Germain’s self-esteem issues come through that of Margueritte, a 95-year-old woman who ventures to the park everyday to stay active. Germain and Margueritte are complete opposites. He is large, while she is small; he is dumb while she is smart. The two are nothing alike.

However, Margueritte takes a liking to Germain, reading him books, stimulating his mind and ultimately helping him find the untapped potential that his mother caused him to repress.

Filmed in a light and airy manner by Jean Becker, “My Afternoons with Margueritte” subtly wins over its audience with the all the charm and class that one would expect of a French film.

Playing Germain is the controversially talented French film star, Gerard Depardieu. Despite his recent run in the headlines, Depardieu easily shines as Germain. Acting is like breathing to Depardieu, it comes naturally. With a story that could have easily been diluted and boring, Depardieu’s innocence as Germain keeps the movie moving along. As Germain gradually gains self-confidence and eventually begins to read on his own, you can’t help but smile. It’s like watching a baby take its first step.

Playing Depardieu’s opposite is 97-year-old actress Gisele Casadesus. As Margueritte, Casadesus is infinitely charming as she is loveable. Casadesus proves that age is nothing but a number and does so by producing one of the best performances this year. It’s hard not to love Marguerette in “My Afternoons with Margueritte,” she is patient, kind and most importantly gives Germain the chance to learn.

Watching “My Afternoons with Marguerette” is a people watcher’s dream. Depardieu and Casadesus’ chemistry is so unmatched, that you feel as if you are intruding on a close friend’s lunch date. As the movie progresses, you become attached to their characters, so when the end credits role, you can’t help but to hope that they’re real.

For an 80-minute movie about a guy, a grandma, and a park bench, “My Afternoons with Margueritte” is as close to perfect as a movie could get.

“My Afternoons with Margueritte” opens nationwide this weekend and can be seen at the Angelika theater in Mockingbird Station.