This is one of those flicks I loved years ago and saw a bunch of times, and I was worried that it might not stand up to today (implying how my tastes have changed), but this movie still rocks.
In fact I'm noticing even things that I hadn't noticed before. Lots of technically impressive stuff like scenes done with just 1 long camera shot. The scene where she chases Nino as he's chasing the red sneaker man through the train station, down the street, up the stairs, until they both drive off leaving her with the book that falls off his moped - all 1 shot. It gives Orson Welles's famous Touch of Evil opening a run for its money.
I'm also able to read deeper into the characters, having experienced more of life myself. Even the minor characters are really well written with a story of their own.
And of course there's the seamless blending of reality & fantasy, with talking paintings on the wall etc, talking photographs, or with Amelie frequently breaking the 4th wall and including the audience in her schemes; this stuff may be pretty common nowadays but back in 2001 it was pretty bold.
All of this stuff stands the test of time and multiple viewings, all wrapped up in a genuinely uplifting movie about the human condition. It was nominated for 5 Oscars but criminally it didn't win any. I hope this will be a classic in 100 years 👍
Can't find a movie or TV show? Login to create it.
Want to rate or add this item to a list?
Not a member?
Reply by bratface
on July 30, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I really should give it a rewatch, but I did give it a 9/10 on my first viewing.