MY LIFE AS A COURGETTE
What a name for a film, eh? As a self-proclaimed courgette fan (or the rather groovy zucchini, as referred to by our American pals), I must admit this film definitely caught my attention. I remember seeing the poster plastered on the walls of the London Underground a few months back, and wondering what the title actually meant. Was it about an experimental human with a raging desire to live life as a vegetable? Was it someone telling the life story of a courgette? I had no idea. But the quirkiness and the vivid colouring of the poster intrigued me. My gut instinct was that this was my kind of film. A bit quirky, alternative, indie, off the beaten track. And of course it was about courgettes, so what wasn't there to like?
The other day I finally found the time to watch the film, and it was such a gem of a film I just knew I needed to share it with you guys.
A French-Swiss production, meaning the film is in French with English subtitles, My Life As A Courgette is a lovingly crafted stop-motion animation with the entire film comprising of scenes and characters which are handmade out of clay. The filmmakers have then physically manipulated each entity, one movement at a time, and taken thousands of snapshots, seamlessly sewing them together to create a glorious 60+ minutes of beautiful storytelling.
As a viewer, to be able to enjoy a film which is so intricately crafted by the filmmakers is such a treat. That very craftmanship and overwhelming dedication, in turn transgresses My Life As A Courgette into not just a film, but a piece of art in the truest sense. It's a real labour of love from director Claude Barres and his team. They've managed to create a portal to another world, so simple in design yet so beautiful, colourful, hopeful. I adored the escapism that this film, and animation in general, gives us. There's nothing else like it.
What's more, as if the film's visuals and aesthetics aren't already a 10 out of 10, the storyline itself is just brilliant. Looking at the poster above, you may be forgiven for thinking My Life As A Courgette is a mere child's film. Relatively superficial in nature and not really relevant to an adult audience with better things to do than humour a child who believes they're a courgette. However you would be wrong for numerous reasons my friend.
My Life As A Courgette focuses on a young french boy, Icare, who goes by the nickname Courgette. He lives alone with his mother, an alcoholic since Courgette's father walked out on them both. However, following an unfortunate accident that leaves Courgette's mother dead, Courgette falls into the hands of Raymond, a sincere and compassionate police officer. Upon hearing Courgette's story, Raymond takes him to the local orphanage, where he will subsequently be cared for.
Upon arriving at the orphanage, Courgette meets the fellow children, including ballsy leader Simon, whose drug-addicted parents never write to him; Jujube, whose mentally ill mum makes him eat toothpaste for breakfast; Beatrice, who's mum left her one day without explanation; Alice, who was sexually abused by her father, and Ahmed, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.
After a rocky start, Courgette begins to settle in with his peers, and following the sudden arrival of new girl Camille, due to similarly distressing circumstances, the seven children form a close and loving bond. Despite being united by misfortune, the solidarity and companionship of Courgette and his friends is such a moving sight to see, paving the way to happiness, love, friendship, loyalty, security and childhood freedom that neither child has ever known.
Although My Life As A Courgette has dark undertones, and sheds light on some serious and important topics, through the medium of stop-motion animation, the subject matter seems more striking and accessible. It's child-friendly, as is it resonant. The impact stays with you long after you stop watching the film. But more so than that, where My Life As A Courgette shines most is in its ability to convey such powerful messages of hope, strength and recovery. It's the cinematic embodiment of a glass half full, with some truly beautiful moments that exude such joy for characters and viewers alike.
Even though we only learn the fates of protagonists Courgette and Camille, My Life As A Courgette leaves you with a comforting notion that every child's life is going to be better from this point onwards. The darkness which initially defined each child has been replaced by so much light and warmth and wonder.
I thoroughly enjoyed My Life As A Courgette, and if you're after something a little quirky, aesthetically pleasing, emotionally substantial, and lovingly crafted, with added allure of Francais of course... Or heck, if you just love the idea of a kid being called Courgette, I would highly, highly recommend a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nRwYWVxjRU
Upon arriving at the orphanage, Courgette meets the fellow children, including ballsy leader Simon, whose drug-addicted parents never write to him; Jujube, whose mentally ill mum makes him eat toothpaste for breakfast; Beatrice, who's mum left her one day without explanation; Alice, who was sexually abused by her father, and Ahmed, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder.
After a rocky start, Courgette begins to settle in with his peers, and following the sudden arrival of new girl Camille, due to similarly distressing circumstances, the seven children form a close and loving bond. Despite being united by misfortune, the solidarity and companionship of Courgette and his friends is such a moving sight to see, paving the way to happiness, love, friendship, loyalty, security and childhood freedom that neither child has ever known.
Although My Life As A Courgette has dark undertones, and sheds light on some serious and important topics, through the medium of stop-motion animation, the subject matter seems more striking and accessible. It's child-friendly, as is it resonant. The impact stays with you long after you stop watching the film. But more so than that, where My Life As A Courgette shines most is in its ability to convey such powerful messages of hope, strength and recovery. It's the cinematic embodiment of a glass half full, with some truly beautiful moments that exude such joy for characters and viewers alike.
Even though we only learn the fates of protagonists Courgette and Camille, My Life As A Courgette leaves you with a comforting notion that every child's life is going to be better from this point onwards. The darkness which initially defined each child has been replaced by so much light and warmth and wonder.
I thoroughly enjoyed My Life As A Courgette, and if you're after something a little quirky, aesthetically pleasing, emotionally substantial, and lovingly crafted, with added allure of Francais of course... Or heck, if you just love the idea of a kid being called Courgette, I would highly, highly recommend a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nRwYWVxjRU
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