Amélie

I took advantage the re-release to celebrate the film’s 20 anniversary and went (for the umpteenth time) to the magical world of Amélie of Montmartre. Jean-Pierre Jeunet's film has lost none of its distinctive charm and atmosphere – Amélie has aged like a fine French wine. Apart from the sometimes melancholic but all the more endearing story with an incredibly positive charge, I liked the narrative and visual style that more than once reminded me of Wes Anderson's work. The icing on the cake is the wonderful soundtrack, which has basically taken on a human form over the years. Amélie, the a timeless story about a young woman who tries to make the world around her a better place, while easily forgetting herself, always gets me, entertains and moves me with every viewing. (04/18/2022)

Amelie can be considered the commercial and artistic pinnacle of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's work. The film was enjoyed by practically everyone except for French critics, who criticized the excessive idealization of present-day Paris in the film. Jeunet himself admitted that Montmartre, as he filmed it, doesn't actually exist anymore, but in his movie, it's not about realism but about poetic exaggeration, playfulness, and imagination. It's a very positive spectacle, an unconventional romance, full of clever scenes, funny situations, and the charm of Audrey Tautou, who built a decent career on the back of this comedy. Overall impression: 95%. (04/24/2009)

One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. Simply beautiful, at times unbelievably kitschy and in its tone also perverse, but presented in a unique way. This is a unique example of how the imagination can swirl and dazzle and yet remain in a cohesive whole that never ceases to entertain. And Audrey was never more enchanting. (10/20/2014)

This film quite successfully teeters on the edge of great kitsch and utter perfection. On the one hand, you have to admire Jeunet's original and heartfelt narration; on the other, at times it makes you wonder why the whole thing is so strangely (in short, weirdly) filmed and nothing proper happens. The casting of Audrey Tautou was a hit, without her Amélie wouldn't be half as atypical and likeable a character, and the film wouldn't be one that can move, make you laugh and feel amazed; and it only needs a few thoughtful shots to do so. (05/25/2012)

What I like most about Amélie and this film about her is that she notices the little things. She lives in her own happy and colorful world. Amélie is definitely different from the other girls... but sometimes I wondered if the effort to be different was too much. Audrey Tautou was definitely the best choice. I don't know many actresses who look that interesting yet fresh. I rarely give a French film 4 or 5 stars, and unfortunately I won't do so now. Still, something nice stayed with me. (08/03/2011)