"Ma vie de Courgette" or "My Life as a Zucchini" is a Swiss-French co-production from 2016 that resulted in a French-language movie. This is one of the most successful animated films of the years for sure and the recent Oscar nomination (even if it has no shot at winning probably) proves how much everybody ended up liking it. It is a relatively short full feature film, runs for roughly an hour only, not including credits and thus is not too far away from the short film category. The title (Veggie Tales anyone?) and the animation and the main character may have some people think that this is really only a film directed at very young audiences, but this is definitely a wrong statement. The film offers great characters and a truly interesting story. I personally think that the main reason why so many people like this one is the mix of emotion and realism. In the viewing I was in, there was not a single child seeing it, but several grown-ups. I am not saying at all that it is not suitable for teenagers, but that it is suitable for every age. Speaking about emotion, this is a factor that is there from start to finish as the film takes place at an orphanage for the entire time basically. We follow the lives of the characters, especially the one of Zucchini, and how they interact with each other. The kids are all somewhat tortured souls because of how they lost their parents and it's visible all the times through their actions and interactions.
As we find out very early, there is another kid that seems like a bit of an antagonist, but the longer the film goes, the more we realize he is another friendly character that maybe just hides his vulnerability behind mannerisms that were supposed to be cool. It's interesting how he starts opening up and respecting Zucchini after he beats him in a fight. It's also interesting how the girl beats him with words on her very first day. This also shows that this cool kid is no antagonist as he still helps the girl in a crucial situation eventually. I quite liked her (Zucchini's love interest) and the scene with the other girl and the hair was as witty and touching as was the comparison between weather and emotional states of the kids. Of course there are grown-up characters too, some good one, some bad ones, but all credible and realistic. This animated film is a prime example of a movie that would also have worked with actors and live action. There are no fantasy elements in here, no talking animals or so, but it is a depiction of real life. The film was really written very well and it is without a doubt one of the most authentic films of 2016. I am definitely closer in giving it a ****/***** than a **/*****. Maybe I will if I re-watch it at some point, which is not unlikely. Until then, I am really glad it has received this much attention. Actually I think the ending is also pretty nice for a possible sequel and who knows with all the success here, it is certainly a possibility. I'd definitely watch it if it ever happens. Please do yourself a favor and check this one out if you have a chance.
As we find out very early, there is another kid that seems like a bit of an antagonist, but the longer the film goes, the more we realize he is another friendly character that maybe just hides his vulnerability behind mannerisms that were supposed to be cool. It's interesting how he starts opening up and respecting Zucchini after he beats him in a fight. It's also interesting how the girl beats him with words on her very first day. This also shows that this cool kid is no antagonist as he still helps the girl in a crucial situation eventually. I quite liked her (Zucchini's love interest) and the scene with the other girl and the hair was as witty and touching as was the comparison between weather and emotional states of the kids. Of course there are grown-up characters too, some good one, some bad ones, but all credible and realistic. This animated film is a prime example of a movie that would also have worked with actors and live action. There are no fantasy elements in here, no talking animals or so, but it is a depiction of real life. The film was really written very well and it is without a doubt one of the most authentic films of 2016. I am definitely closer in giving it a ****/***** than a **/*****. Maybe I will if I re-watch it at some point, which is not unlikely. Until then, I am really glad it has received this much attention. Actually I think the ending is also pretty nice for a possible sequel and who knows with all the success here, it is certainly a possibility. I'd definitely watch it if it ever happens. Please do yourself a favor and check this one out if you have a chance.