Où & Quand?

"Without you, today's emotions would be the scurf of yesterday's."
- Hipolito

So unlike video games and books, I'd be hardpressed to make a top X list for films (although The Princess Bride would probably be at the top of said non-existing list, but I digress).

Amelie (or Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain for purists) is one of those films that remind me that there's a whole bunch of stuff out there that I haven't seen yet. I'm guessing that quirky would be the best term to describe this (not so) hidden gem.

The film tells the story of the titular character, Amelie Poulain, a lady who comes from a peculiar upbringing, courtesy of her eccentric parents - although she grows up having a charmingly active imagination (reminiscent of those internal monologues that people tend to have every so often) as well as an unusual outlook in life. After a few unlikely events, she resolves to devote her time trying to improve the lives of the people around her, often with little concern for her own. That is, until she comes across one Nino Quincampoix, with whom she ends up falling for after a playful chase through the streets of Paris.

Given the fact that the last couple of French films I've seen were District 13 (that parkour film) and La Horde (because zombies are the best), this was a nice change of pace.

It's pretty hard to describe, but somehow Amelie succeeds in keeping its viewer engaged with the plights of each character (who are also eccentric in their own rights) and how Amelie touches their lives. The romantic elements were actually fun to watch - as they were really entertaining without being excessively saccharine.

I think Amelie works really well in terms of being a feel-good movie without really trying to be one, which adds to its appeal. It's definitely a must-watch - although it should be noted that the entire film is in French, so make sure those subs work.