Ma vie de Courgette (My Life as a Zucchini) (2016)

Summary

Ma vie de Courgette is a critically acclaimed stop-motion animation film that tells the poignant story of Icare, a 9-year-old boy who insists on being called "Courgette" (Zucchini). Following the sudden death of his abusive, alcoholic mother, Courgette is taken to a children's home by the kind police officer, Raymond. Initially isolated, Courgette must navigate the challenges of his new environment, but he soon forms profound, honest friendships with the other orphaned children, who have all suffered their own traumas. The film is a sensitive, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful exploration of loss, resilience, and the healing power of chosen family.

Plot

The film opens with Icare, known only as Courgette, living in isolation with his depressed, alcoholic mother. After her death, he is gently escorted to the Fontaines children’s home by Raymond, the police officer handling his case, who displays an immediate, gentle connection with the boy. Courgette arrives at the home carrying only a small box of treasured memories, including a drawing his mother made.

The initial days at the home are challenging. Courgette is bullied by Simon, the oldest and toughest boy, who quickly becomes the de facto leader of the children. However, Simon, recognizing Courgette's vulnerability, soon befriends him, seeing him as one of their own. The group includes other children who have faced extreme hardships, such as child abuse and neglect. They collectively form a small, fractured, yet fiercely protective unit.

The children's world is changed by the arrival of Camille, a quiet girl whose parents were tragically killed in a murder-suicide. Courgette develops a deep connection with her. The group of friends learns to share their painful stories, finding comfort and solidarity in their shared traumas. They even plan a daring escape to protect Camille from a cold, manipulative aunt seeking custody only for the financial benefits.

Officer Raymond remains a constant, loving presence in Courgette's life, visiting him regularly and building a strong bond. Recognizing the deep affection and need for stability, Raymond eventually applies to adopt both Courgette and Camille. The film concludes with Courgette and Camille being officially adopted by Raymond, symbolizing the triumph of genuine, unconditional love and the creation of a new, true family. The narrative demonstrates that while trauma can never be undone, the support of others makes recovery and happiness possible.

Cast (French Voice Actors)

• Gaspard Schlatter as Icare "Courgette" (Zucchini)

• Sixtine Murat as Camille

• Paulin Jaccoud as Simon

• Michel Vuillermoz as Raymond (The Police Officer)

• Estelle Hennard as Alice

• Elliot Sanchez as Jules

Crew

• Director: Claude Barras

• Screenplay: Céline Sciamma (Based on the novel Autobiographie d'une Courgette by Gilles Paris)

• Producers: Max Karli, Pauline Gygax, Rita Productions

• Music Director: Sophie Hunger

• Cinematography: David Toutevoix (Image Operator)

• Editor: Yani Voeffray

Release Info

• Release Year: 2016

• Original Release Date: May 15, 2016 (Cannes Film Festival)

• Running Time: 66 minutes

• Language: French (Original)

• Genre: Stop-Motion Animation, Drama, Family

• Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the Academy Awards and Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes.