Must-Watch Movie of the Week Scores 3.7/5: ‘As Delicious as Delicate’

Based on a short film released in 2021 and an animated series aired on France TV, “The Life of the Castle, My Childhood in Versailles” premiered this week in theaters. Created by Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat and Nathaniel H’limi, and featuring Alice Vial (winner of the 2018 César Award for Best Short Film with “Les Bigorneaux”) on the screenplay, the animated feature has been warmly welcomed by the French press, boasting an impressive average score of 3.7 out of 5, making it the top film of the week.

What’s It About?

Violette is an 8-year-old with lots of spirit and a new guardian! Since the death of her parents, she has been forced to live with her uncle Régis, a janitor at the Palace of Versailles. He’s a gruff giant, and she’s a stubborn little girl who won’t speak to him and runs away at every chance! But amid the gilded backdrop of the Sun King, these two loners will gradually tame each other, learn about one another, and find a new family…

Press Reviews:

According to Ouest France:

“This animated film strikes right at the heart.” By Pascale Vergereau – 5/5

According to La Croix:

“A tender and touching fiction about the mourning process of an orphan from the November 13 attacks.” By The Editorial Team – 4/5

According to Le Figaro:

“Featuring a clear and delicate style possibly inspired by Christophe Blain, the feature film addresses grief, pain, and rebuilding.” By O. D. – 4/5

According to Les Fiches du Cinéma:

“Declared a ward of the nation following her parents’ deaths, Violette must live with her uncle Régis, the janitor at the Palace of Versailles. From running away to arguing and from sharing secrets to reconciling, they will slowly come to understand each other. Admirable.” By Gilles Tourman – 4/5

According to Le Parisien:

“Describing how a little girl, who lost her parents in the November 13 attacks, is adopted by her uncle, the caretaker of the Versailles estate, this gem touches audiences of all ages.” By Renaud Baronian – 4/5

According to Nice-Matin:

“A beautiful message of hope in a smart animation, with a personal artistic direction that perfectly matches the spirit of this universal story.” By Cédric Coppola – 4/5

According to Première:

“A major and incredibly engaging film about mourning that also manages to appeal to a broad audience without compromising its depth.” By Thierry Chèze – 4/5

According to Télérama:

“As delicious as it is delicate.” By Guillemette Odicino – 4/5