Most audiences won’t be sure what to expect from a film with such a quirky title. After the sudden loss of his mother, a young boy is sent to a foster home, where he joins other similarly displaced children. With the help of some new-found friends, the children learn how to trust, love and be loved.
My Life As A Zucchini (originally Ma Vei De Courgette) is a short film, at only 70 minutes long, and is based on the novel by Gilles Paris. Although the original film is in French, the English dubbed version features the likes of Nick Offerman (as the voice of Raymond), Ellen Page (as the voice of Rosy) and Amy Sedaris (as the voice of Aunt Ida).
The animation style is cute and charming, with a sense of delicate melancholy in those bulging, grey-rimmed eyes. The film doesn’t censor the hardships the children have faced, but shows that happiness can be created despite the circumstances we find ourselves in. It emphasises the importance of friendship, and that while you cannot choose your family, you can choose your friends. The foster home experience is portrayed in positive, though somewhat idealistic, light, giving hope to those who may find themselves in a similar situation.
The naturally uncensored nature of children captured in this portrayal results in some quirky humour. The characterisation within the film is excellent, capturing through animation and dialogue the endearing honesty of childhood experiences.
Overall, My Life As A Zucchini is a fun and charming film, heart-warming in its simplicity.
I rate this film 8/10.
My Life as a Zucchini is screening a part of the Revelation Film Festival – Click here to find out more information on this film.
