Review of Amélie (2001) by Gregory G — 30 Mar 2013

Perfect. "Amelie" is possibly the most charming movie ever made and one of my favorite movies of all time. It expresses gaiety and joie de vivre that we rarely see in modern movies. Jean-Pierre Jeunet created this whimsical romantic comedy about a shy Parisian waitress (Audrey Tautou) who decides to take it upon herself to assist the lonely people around her with small acts of kindness to make their lives happier.

She then meets an odd young man (Matthew Kassovitz) not unlike herself and pursues a romantic relationship. Jeunet has a love of digressions that gives each individual their own story. Throughout the movie Jeunet shows the likes and dislikes of different characters.

Little details that most filmmakers would ignore become integral to the personalities of these people and Jeunet loves their faces. Tautou is like the French version of Audrey Hepburn with her waif like features, big eyes, and broad smile.

You can't help but fall in love with her and "Amelie" made Tautou an international star. This fantasy takes place in the Paris of our dreams. There is no graffiti or crime and everything is made to look bright, beautiful, and colorful.

The cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel is shot with a vibrant color palette and a fluid visual style. The lovely accordion-led score by Yann Tiersen stays in your mind and recalls all the wonderful moments from this movie.

It is rare to see a movie that is good natured and heartfelt without feeling sentimental or forced. There are moments of light humor as the movie embraces the small details of everyday life and the pleasures that can be had from having all of our senses touched.

Watching "Amelie" can make you feel deliriously happy and you may feel you want to live in this world amongst these people. The original French title translated in English, "The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulain," sounds better than the shortened Hollywood version.

In French with English subtitles.