Amelie

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%. (24/04/2009)

Miss Amelie and her fairytale, loving, a little sad and humanly warm world enchanted me at first glance. What makes this film special? Definitely the story and the general tuning. It's harmony dyed into a clear and intoxicating cinematic fluid that can warm the soul better than a gulp of rum. The acting performances, especially the title role by Audrey Tautou, who managed to play an extremely difficult role with complete persuasion. The cute supporting characters who are overflowing with life without necessarily having to get too much time on screen. Jeunet made a film with naïve childhood love, a naively uncritical view of reality. And it's not fake, it's not even overly sweet - it's miraculously soothing. Amelie is a small island of peace and love in an overall bleak world and cinema. Amelie is the gentle girl caress I need from time to time. (17/03/2004)

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. (20/10/2014)

The rumors and thousands of rave reviews didn't lie: Amelie is amazing. This endearingly poetic film has a kind of irresistible charm, thanks to which it combines several genres, looks both kitschy and original at the same time, the actors playing bizarre characters suddenly become ordinary people living ordinary lives in an ordinary Parisian neighborhood... In short, it is an extraordinarily ordinary film, bursting with color and optimism, and with great music. (21/10/2011)

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. (26/05/2012)