Amélie (Le Fabuleux Destin D'Amélie Poulain) (2001) ****1/2

I remember first seeing Amélie (aka Le Fabuleux Destin D'Amélie Poulain) (2001) at a nearby (now defunct) $2 movie theater in either late 2001 or early 2002. I was already a fan of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, via his previous three films (two with Marc Caro), but Amélie was the one that garnered real attention in the States. After a mixed reception to his first solo outing, Alien: Resurrection (1997), Jeunet came back four years later with this gem of a movie.

Amélie is definitely a film where you have to buy into the fantasy and the hyperrealism. If you're a fan of that approach, it's an absolute delight. The cinematography, production and art design, the heavy green and red color manipulation, Yann Tiersen's playful score, and all the characters—including the smallest of roles—all blend together to create an indelible experience. Jeunet seems to make even misery look beautiful.

Audrey Tautou is, of course, infectiously adorable. At first glance, the titular character may appear to be a Manic Pixie Dream Girl but don't mistake her quirkiness for her falling into that category. Amélie is the protagonist, she has her own agency, and though initially performing good deeds for others (and also some mischievous pranks to teach a lesson), eventually she makes choices to fulfill her own destiny.

Amélie is a film that's good for any mood—it's a wonderful rush of emotions, the rom-com that could only come from Jeunet's imagination. An enchanting and whimsical tale of kindness and curiosity, with an unequivocally unique look and feel, that still brings joy twenty years later.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet Feature Films Ranked