Carl Roberts 
“An astonishing, heartwarming, touching and enjoyable animated movie, Little Amélie deserves to win awards across the board.”
Every once in a while, you come across a film that resonates with every part of you. Whether it’s a live-action or animated film, these types of films leave an indelible mark on audiences. So it is with Little Amélie (or the full English title Little Amélie or the Character of Rain), (French title: Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes). Here we have a remarkable animated film that hits us out of nowhere. It is a charming and heartwarming film that takes us all by surprise. The heart of the film is incredible. It shows us the wonder of a child as they grow, and the relationships they have with those around them. It also doesn’t shy away from the more tragic elements that arise during their young childhood. When you’re three years old, you see everything and understand nothing.
THE PREMISE
The world is a perplexing, peaceful mystery to Amélie until a miraculous encounter with chocolate ignites her wild sense of curiosity. As she develops a deep attachment to her family’s housekeeper, Nishio-san, Amélie discovers the wonders of nature and the emotional truths hidden beneath the surface of her family’s idyllic life as foreigners in post-war Japan.
THOUGHTS
The film took me by surprise throughout. With its charmingly innocent take on life for a three-year-old, despite the dramas that are happening outside of her world, the film grabs hold of the audience and never lets go. With an opening that sees Amélie born in a vegetative state, we are uncertain if the film will be to our tastes. Amélie, through her inner narration, thinks she is a god. Thanks to an earthquake on her second birthday, Amélie breaks free from her vegetative state and begins her journey on life’s path. However, this also sees her rejecting her true family, focusing her love and affection on her nanny, Nishio-san, instead.
Amélie becomes destructive around her family. Thankfully, her grandmother, Claude, gives Amélie white chocolate, which calms her down. Amélie begins to bond with the family, except for her brother André, whom she despises. When Claude returns home to Belgium, Amélie becomes distraught. However, as she bonds with Nishio-san, she starts to become a kind, loving and thoughtful child.
However, sadness is just around the corner with the death of Claude, something she doesn’t understand, and Amélie’s near drowning in the sea. Adding to her troubles is the way the family’s landlady, Kashima-san, frowns upon her tenants and Amélie herself. But the audience needn’t worry. By the time the film ends, everything comes out as it should.
WRITING AND DIRECTION
Featuring a screenplay by Liane-Cho Han, Aude Py, Maïlys Vallade, and Eddine Noël, based on The Character of Rain by Amélie Nothomb, and directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, the film never ceases to amaze us. We are drawn into Amélie’s world, and we never want to leave it. We watch her, fascinated, by her young experiences, her inner thoughts, and her actions. At times, we find ourselves unable to stop smiling for the most part, but we do worry about the youngster at times.
Considering this is an animated family movie, we never expected to feel or experience these things. It is truly a marvel to become so invested in the film. It also takes us back to our own childhoods and those young thoughts and actions. We can also see some of Amélie’s traits in our own children and nieces and nephews, making the film resonate with us even more.
VERDICT
An astonishing, heartwarming, touching and enjoyable animated movie, Little Amélie deserves to win awards across the board. With an anime style of animation, the film pops. The colours are so vibrant and rich, the storytelling so winning, and with love, thought and respect going into the film, it is of little wonder that the film has been showered with critical praise, award nominations, including one at the upcoming Academy Awards, and is an award-winning piece of animation. It really is that good and enjoyable. And it deserves the success that it has earned so far.
While you won’t need tissues with the film (thankfully), the audience will leave the cinema feeling energised, happy and completely entertained. With its childlike innocence, its very real and raw adult subplots, and its engaging narrative, the film amazes the audience and takes them completely by surprise. I saw the film in its original French with subtitles, but there is also a dubbed version that the whole family can enjoy. Parents needn’t worry about having to tell their little ones what the characters are saying, making the film accessible for everyone. Forget the big Hollywood animated movies. For real quality and heart, look no further than Little Amélie. Prepare to be amazed, engaged and leave the cinema with a full and warm heart. An incredible animated film.
Little Amélie will be in UK cinemas from this Friday, courtesy of Vue Lumière.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
