Amelie

Rating:
Summary: MY MOST FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME
Review: AMELIE IS THE BEST!!!! Craving a trip to Paris? Yearning to sip a latte on the Champs Elysees? Wishing you could wander the metro? Bank account statement say "$0"? Well have no fear! Watch Amelie!!! It's the closest to "being there". Best way to escape to Paris for the evening without leaving your couch!!! Bon Voyage!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A tribute to Paris
Review: This movie captures the essence that is Paris. Great cinematography and excellent editing, most inportant of all, a story with heart. It is a praise to life; to every samll joys one can enjoy and about never giving up. It makes you want to hop on the next airplane and just fly to Paris. It is common for European movies to stress destiny and fate, still, this is a journey worth taken.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutly wonderfull. But not for everyone !
Review: Before I watched it , I did not read reviews in purpose - Just wanted to be surprised . I was wrong ! Before you se it - make shure , it is right film for you , or you might hate it . If you are not a romantic " dreamer " ; if you never cryed while watching a movie ; if you never felt sorry for Tom , brutally destroied by Jerry ; if you think , that " Dumb and Dumber " is the best comedy of all times - DO NOT watch this film !
O'Key , if you are still reading my review - you are in the right place . It is kind of slow film , but I didn't mind - I just relaxed and and enjoy it . Very romantic , absolutly wonderful ( THE perfect word for it ) movie . Very unusual and surprising camerawork . What is not a big surprise for you , if you seen other films by Jean-Pierre Jeunet ( City of Lost Children , Alien 4 ). Only this time he opens his another side for us - the sentimental one . And he gives it to us thru Emelie. Who just desided one day to start helping everybody around her . And trust me - she is very good and funny at it . And of couse , the love she gave - came back to her .

Rating:
Summary: Sweet and magical
Review: The story centers around a shy and "playful" character (Audrey Tautou) who becomes a secret guardian angel for other lonely people. The irony of the situation is that she herself has had a lonely childhood and her adulthood isn't any better. Nevertheless, she decides to "help" others unseen. The various episodes to illustrate the transition is well-presented. There is a certain charm in the narrative style used by the director - in portraying fairly mundane activities with a novel vigor and mysterious charm. Having a wonderful cast does help that cause. In between helping others, the character realizes her own loneliness. The story then moves into a "chance romantic" realm.

The movie is well taken, and is blessed with excellent score and talented cast. Some slick editing adds to the wonderful spirit of the movie. (Since I dont speak French, the subtitles were critical, though the screenplay and the actors by themselves seem to have conveyed the intent and flow of the story pretty well!). Wonderful features in the bonus DVD. It is a must-see. Overall, sweet and wonderful movie...slow at times with the plot...but never boring. Arguably one of the best movies of modern times...whether it is a classic - only time can tell

Rating:
Summary: A ray of shining light on the French cinema horizon
Review: I don't have one bad thing to say about this movie. It is the most beautiful, uplifting piece of art I have ever seen in my life. No one I have recommended this movie to has been disappointed- most are pleasantly surprised. The colors, the cinematography, the sets and backgrounds, are all candy for the eyes. Even ones who don't know a word of French and have to read the subtitles love this movie- even ones who would otherwise refuse to watch any movie with subtitles. The theme and plot are lovely, like poetry, and Amelie is fit to inspire with her subtly witty and perfected art manipulation. Most of the time, she barely even needs to say a word, and Audrey Tautou's impish manner is perfect for the part.

Rating:
Summary: Blubber The Suicidal Goldfish
Review: I really love Amelie. Its quirky, charming and incrediably schizophrenic. The overall plot is fantastic, but there are several moments that stick in my mind...suicidal canadian tourists, 15!, and, of course, blubber the goldfish.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing
Review: After watching this film I'm now in love with foreign screenplays. Amelie is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. There's something about it where I smiled through the whole movie. Definently recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Quirkiness At It's Best !
Review: Once in a long while a movie filled with quirkiness, eccentricity, and dark humor will creep into my "must see" rentals list...Amelie was definitely one of them.Even the front dvd cover packaging grabs your attention (it's very reminiscent of either a Pixar Bug's Life dvd cover or a Walt Disney film release cover of the 60's).After hearing the Oscar buzz about this off beat French comedy I needed to find out for myself what the big deal was. Well, for starters it has a pretty French actress named Audrey Tautou who has definitely captured my attention (beautiful dark eyes and plenty of skillful talent on screen)! The acting chemistry between Audrey Tatou and director/actor Mathieu Kassovitz was perfect and authentic (they really looked like a good couple);Very believable...

The story centers around a meek and introverted waitress who cherishes her solitude...That is until she discovers that she has quite an uncanny knack for bringing great cheer and happiness to others concerning matters of the heart. However, the real comedy comes into play when Amelie retaliates against those who take great sadisitic pleasure in harrassing the under dogs ! While she accomplishes these great feats through well calculated yet very eccentric methods she is unable to bring herself to find her own personal happiness with the opposite sex.She is able to play Dear Abby in a very enigmatic way to those who do not suspect she is helping them, yet is unable to follow her own advice !...

Amelie is rich with colorful characters and witty (French) dialogue. Non-human characters from Amelie's vivid imagination come to life with remarkable computer animated graphics. The French location and scenery is truly amazing ! One can even feel the wind blowing on several scenes where Amelie's father's home is located (just check out the garden scene where he is accepting mail from the postman and you'll know what I mean)! Amelie is beautifully crafted and filmed in richly saturated colors for the dvd format. The 5.1 surround digital mix isn't too shabby, either. Just listen to the deep bass sound effect emitted when Amelie's mother encounters an ...well, I can't tell you, just see the dvd (this particular scene makes good use of the .1 digital bass as well as the term "dark humor")!...

If there is one foreign "must see" film on your list this year, make it Amelie.

Rating:
Summary: A Charmer
Review: Gamine Audrey Tautou is beautifully cast as the shy young waitress who can make everyone happy but herself. You see a gorgeous, primary colored, clean Paris through her eyes, and it is a sight to behold! Amelie, though a very empathetic character, is not saccharine. People who offend her are tricked. She is devious in her methods of bringing joy and settling scores.

I particularly liked the Frenchness (for lack of a better word) of the film. The French have a pragmatic, relaxed view of sex that is so at odds with the serious and rather frantic importance we Americans give to the subject. Now food, on the other hand, is a very serious business and not casual at all to the French. I noticed all kitchens, no matter how small, were fully equipped with every type of blender, beater and bowl (but not necessarily appliances.) When Amelie eats a solitary dinner, she sets the table, has a glass of wine and three carefully prepared courses.

When Amelie falls in love, her shyness about does her in. She is fearless at helping others, but almost paralyzed at helping herself. You really pull for her even while getting a little exasperated with her hide and seek methods. There is enough comedy throughout to keep the film from being oversweet.

The DVD: The color is excellent, the sound good and the images sharp and clear. The package is good and interesting. There are subtitles in English and Spanish, no dubbing. People who are slow readers may have problems with following the action and the subtitles, as it is the type of film that demands your visual attention.

Rating:
Summary: Totally overrated French art flick
Review: This is a movie that will solve anybody's constipation. Except for the traveling gnome, and a few funny moments, this movie is overrated. If you like the director's other films (City of Lost Children, Delicatessen, etc.), then you'll like this. For me, it felt like hours to watch this thing. Yes, it was beautifully photographed, but the story, attempting to be cute and engaging, falls short.