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C.R.A.Z.Y.

C.R.A.Z.Y.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a 2005 Canadian coming-of-age drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and co-written by Vallée and François Boulay. Set in Quebec, it follows Zac, a young man growing up in a family of five boys while struggling with his sexuality and his father’s expectations. The film is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed Québec films.

Plot

The film follows Zac through childhood and adolescence in a working-class Québec family. Central themes include masculinity, religion, family tension, and his struggle to accept his homosexuality.

Production

C.R.A.Z.Y. was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and co-written with François Boulay. It is a French-language Canadian film set in Quebec.

Music

The soundtrack is a major feature of the film and includes well-known artists from the 1960s and 1970s. The music helps establish the film’s period setting and emotional tone. Featured artists include David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Patsy Cline, Charles Aznavour, and The Rolling Stones.

Reception and awards

The Canadian Encyclopedia reports that the film won 10 Genie Awards and 12 Jutra Awards, and was selected as Canada’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It is considered one of the most popular Québec films of all time.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2005 and is a Canadian production.
  • It was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and co-written with François Boulay.
  • The story centers on Zac, a young man navigating family conflict and homophobia as he grows up in Quebec.
  • Its soundtrack features artists including David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Patsy Cline, Charles Aznavour, and The Rolling Stones.
  • It won major Canadian awards including Genie Awards and Jutra Awards, and received TIFF recognition.
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Canadian context

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a notable Canadian film, set in Quebec and widely recognized in Canadian cinema for its awards success and cultural impact.[1][12]

Frequently asked questions

What is C.R.A.Z.Y.?
C.R.A.Z.Y. is a 2005 Canadian coming-of-age drama film directed by Jean-Marc Vallée.
What does the film follow?
It follows Zac, a young man growing up in Quebec as he deals with family pressure, religion, and his sexuality.
What language is the film in?
The film is in French.
Where is the film set?
It is set in Quebec, Canada, during the 1960s and 1970s.
Who wrote the film?
Jean-Marc Vallée and François Boulay co-wrote the film.
Why is it notable in Canada?
It is considered one of the most popular Québec films and won multiple major Canadian film awards.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C.R.A.Z.Y.
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, director, co-writer, plot overview, soundtrack artists.
  2. Toronto International Film Festival / Canadian Film Encyclopedia — https://cfe.tiff.net/canadianfilmencyclopedia/content/films/crazy
    Supports: Year and language.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/crazy
    Supports: Plot, setting, cultural significance, awards, and Canadian context.