Strange Gardens (2003)
A tender French comedy-drama about a son, a secret, and the surprising courage hidden behind a clown's costume.
Strange Gardens - Movie Information
- Original Title: Effroyables Jardins
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Jean Becker
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 26, 2003 (France - U), March 27, 2007 (United States), April 16, 2004 (United Kingdom), September 20, 2003 (Germany)
- Production Companies: Canal+, France 2 Cinéma, France 3 Cinéma, ICE3, UGC
- Production Countries: France
Strange Gardens - Plot
Lucien, 14, can't understand why his father, a serious and respected teacher, makes a fool of himself by dressing up as a clown and giving a show. André, Lucien's father's best friend, feels for the teenager and decides to reveal something from their mutual past that will explain the reason for Lucien's father's strange behavior.
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Strange Gardens - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jean Becker
Main Cast
- Jacques Villeret
- André Dussollier
- Thierry Lhermitte
- Benoît Magimel
- Suzanne Flon
- Isabelle Candelier
- Victor Garrivier
- Bernard Collins
- Damien Jouillerot
- Jean-Claude Durand
Writers
- Guillaume Laurant
- Jean Cosmos
- Jean Becker
Producers
- Louis Becker
- Jean-Paul Becker
Strange Gardens - FAQs
What is Strange Gardens about?
Strange Gardens follows Lucien, a 14-year-old who is baffled and embarrassed by his father's habit of dressing up as a clown. His father's best friend, André, decides to share a long-kept wartime secret that finally explains the peculiar behavior — and changes how Lucien sees his dad forever.
Is Strange Gardens based on a true story?
Strange Gardens is based on the novel Effroyables Jardins by Michel Quint, published in 2000. While the story is fictional, it draws on the real historical backdrop of World War II German occupation in France, lending the narrative an emotional authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences.
Who are the main actors in Strange Gardens?
The film features a wonderful ensemble cast. Jacques Villeret plays Jacques Pouzay, André Dussollier is André Designy, and Thierry Lhermitte portrays Thierry Plaisance. Benoît Magimel and the legendary Suzanne Flon round out the principal cast in memorable supporting roles.
What is the wartime secret revealed in Strange Gardens?
The film's emotional core lies in a flashback to the German occupation of France. André reveals that Lucien's father and his friends were once prisoners facing execution, and a German soldier — moved by an act of clowning — spared their lives. The clown costume became a tribute to that moment of unexpected humanity.
Who directed Strange Gardens?
Strange Gardens was directed by Jean Becker, a celebrated French filmmaker known for his warm, humanist storytelling. Becker also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Guillaume Laurant and Jean Cosmos, adapting Michel Quint's acclaimed novel for the screen.
When was Strange Gardens released?
Strange Gardens premiered in France on March 26, 2003. It later opened in the United States on March 27, 2007, reached the United Kingdom on April 16, 2004, and was released in Germany on September 20, 2003.
How long is Strange Gardens?
Strange Gardens runs for 95 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a compact, beautifully paced film that manages to move between gentle comedy and genuine emotional depth without ever feeling rushed or overstuffed.
What are some movies similar to Strange Gardens?
If you enjoyed Strange Gardens, you might also like Speak Out (2024), Stuck Apart (2021), The Big Hit (2020), A Real Job (2023), and Somewhere in Queens (2023). These films share a similar blend of warmth, humor, and heartfelt drama that makes Strange Gardens so memorable.
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