Monday 1 December 2008

Amelie [2001]


Amelie is one of those movies which are extremely difficult to categorize in simple terms – it could be called a modern day fairy tale, a poignant human drama or a black comedy in equal measures. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Amelie is as quirky in its portrayal of some of the most oddball and memorably atypical characters one can hope to come across, as it is enthralling for its stunning visuals and imageries. Amelie, a lonely, shy and good-hearted girl, whose growing years can be called anything but normal, decides to leave her stamp on the world through small deeds that end up leaving lasting imprints on the lives of those concerned, including herself. Armed with an exceedingly fertile imagination, loads of creative energy, a soft-corner for fellow kindhearted misfits like her, and a charming personality that is as contagious as her quirky acts of selflessness, the delightful personality of Amelie is heartwarming in its characterization. The movie is filled with deftly concocted humour, wit and a lovely mixture of humanism and a delectably skewed sense of observation. Though the movie seems to drag a bit in the middle due to repetitiveness of a few developments, but they get lost easily in the ingenious plot and an utterly engaging style of narrative. This whimsical fable does deserve every bit of attention and accolades it received upon its release.








Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Genre: Comedy/Romantic Comedy
Language: French
Country: France

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I could find Truffaut, especially Jules et Jim in every second. BUt good anyways.

Check out A Very long engagement too...

Shubhajit said...

Yeah, I have seen A Very Long Engagement. The arresting visual imagery is a common link for the two movies, apart from the director and the actress. However Amelie, I felt, was a far more satisfying output.

Fletch said...

Indeed it does deserve it all. It's practically perfect. And I really need to see A Very Long Engagement...

Shubhajit said...

The two reasons for which you might consider watching A Very Long Engagement are its visual beauty and its quirky storytelling, but be prepared to be dished a very confusing plot.