MY LIFE AS A COURGETTE
Plant yourself in front of this charmingly original fable, which was Oscar nominated for best animated film.
This complex, gentle and often sad delight has the social commentary and sentimentality of the work of Charles Dickens.
Hero is an orphan with a clown-like face. Though creative and kind, he has little to laugh about after being placed in a care home. Here, we see how his kindness of spirit empowers fellow residents.
The skilful storytelling is deceptively simple and technically complex. Small gestures carry great meaning and the use of traditional stop motion animation allows for some dark material to be smuggled in. The children’s behaviour stems from their experiences – these are communicated with sufficient vagueness so kids watching won’t be scared, but adults will fully comprehend the horrors implied.
The filmmakers tend to their characters with care, and as they bloom, we’re given a feast of emotion to tuck into.