Review of Amélie (2001) by Michael M — 30 Mar 2018

I have some pretty mixed feelings on Amelie, but overall I lean towards liking it. It reminded me of Juno in a lot of ways, with its almost aggressively quirky tone. But whereas Juno I was mixed on to begin with and grew to hate, I can see Amelie potentially going the other direction.

The main difference being that the film is so bizarre, has such a kinetic energy, and exists in such a fanciful version of France it never seems to be trying to present itself as the real world. The emotions are real, but the events and scenes are highly exaggerated, so it kind of works.

I had some serious problems with the character of Amelie, who seemed so wrapped up in her own world and her weird mind games to the point she comes off as selfish to the point of cruelty. I know we're supposed to see her grow, and she does, but the journey to get there was a little obnoxious.

Most of the other characters, while all have that aggressive quirkiness, are still mostly charming and likable. Overall the film creates such a unique vision with its bright and perfect looking vision of France and fanciful energy.

It does meander, and its lead isn't as likable as the film seems to want her to be, but the movie still has a distinct enough charm for it to work. I'm not sure how this film will age for me, it could go either way, but for now I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt.