My Life as a Courgette film review ★★★★★

Claude Barras' animation film My Life as a Courgette is definitely one of your essential five-a-day, but don't be fooled: there is not a single vegetable in sight throughout the film. Instead, it's an unflinching tale of a young orphan boy who discovers the true meaning of love and friendship.



Despite narrowly missing out on an Oscar nomination for best foreign film, the stop-animation has already captivated audiences around the world. The sweet tale follows Icare, who prefers to go by the name of Courgette. After the death of his alcoholic mother, Courgette is taken to a children's home by kind policeman, Raymond. At first Courgette struggles to fit in among his peers at but soon discovers strong bonds and lasting friendships. He finds a particular closeness with Raymond and new girl Camille as well as bully Simon.

The film doesn't shy away from telling the ugly truth. The kids in the home are all damaged by their pasts: parents are in jail or deported, and some of the children have simply been abandoned. Despite its chic and charming surface, this is one kids film that truly digs deep.