sh*t

I dont really get, why you thought it was so sh*t. I thought all elements of film (story, acting, music, production, cinematography ...) were mastered so wonderfully in this movie. I agree, Jeunet's eccentric and exaggerated style needs some getting used to, but overall the film is so original. Sadly ignored and underrated internationally (unlike Amelie, which was very creative too) but maybe that adds to the films genuine quality.

Just to compare...(and add my two cents)...

Okay, I just watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was supremely disappointed by that, thought it was really just obnoxious (I like Johnny Depp, too, but I'm sorry, he and especially his lines were not really amusing at all!) That was a fantastical-type film, filled with children, etc. etc., but overall felt very hollow...and almost sickening (in a way I can't really describe!)

And then I got home and realize I still have to watch The City of Lost Children because it's due back at the video rental store...and I start it and it has fantastical gadgets and a little child and I think...oh goodness, please, not two in one day...but despite the "ugliness" of this world (it's a pretty darn weird-looking place to live in!) I found it more enchanting than obnoxious. Dreams, innocence...I liked Jeunet's Amelie more, but I have to say that I disagree with it being pointless. Who are we without dreams? Um, Krank then, I suppose. ;)

I didn't like the story too much (it's this fairy-tale-slapstick-kind-of storytelling that I don't like) but the rest of the movie was fantastic, so I really liked it in the end. I'm very interested in movie making, so I'm easily delighted with good lighting, camera work and editing - you can't deny these things are very well done in this movie!

you don't like fairy tales right? Cause that's what this is. A true fairytale.
(cause you know most fairytales of today are candycoated versions of mostly horrific originals)
And in fairytales fantastic things happen that often defy logic.

Did you ever notice that people who believe in creationism look realy un-evolved? - Bill Hicks

Doggy go watch Smoky and the Bandit ,And no more French film for you !

Oh my god, I can't believe how long ago you wrote this! I just realised! Anyways, I just wanted to react to the 'weird for being weird' part: that only works if you think the film is weird, or supposed to be. I don't think it is weird, it reminded me a lot of how I saw the world as a child. Perhaps that's when cultural differences act up. What is weird (or trying to be) to you, might not be perceived as strange to us, that's not hard to understand. The director was not trying to be weirder than usual, he is very true to his style and himself. I have met him and I can safely say that he didn't 'make it' weird for the sake of it. So your argument doesn't really have grounds. What people are trying to say be you not understanding the film is partly because you assume the guy's trying to be weird, when he's always been like that...
(sorry for my english, I'm tired and I haven't written or spoken it in a while)

t'ain't no sin to take off your skin and dance around in your bones

I mostly agree with you. Pointless rubbish is a bit harsh, but the movie certainly doesn't deserve it's current rating. I felt like the actors were only there to justify all the pretty pictures, which, indeed, WERE pretty but an interesting setting just isn't enough to make a good movie. Delicatessen had exactly the same problems. Maybe the directors just aren't very good at, you know, directing? They have good ideas but the acting and storytelling is terrible.