MovieChat Forums > Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2002) Discussion > Don't get how this is considered one of ...

Don't get how this is considered one of the greatest foreign films

posted 11 years ago by seahawk3133
35 replies | jump to latest

I'm not trying to start a thread on bashing Amelie. I watched it, was intrigued with the idea and would recommend it to anyone who hasn't watched it yet.

I just don't get how this is considered one of the greatest foreign films ever. Why is it so well considered? Or is it the cool thing to claim it is an all-time great?

I've only seen about 25 foreign films and Amelie wouldn't make my top 10. Films like M, Seven Samurai & The 400 Blows are greats, not Amelie

7/10

[–] chas437 11 years ago

Agreed, this is a very clever film that portrays a romantic view of what Paris once was, or how people might want to imagine it. But, this is not a profound film. Probably the reason so many Americans say this is one of the greatest foreign film is that its one of a few they have actually seen.

I'd go 7.5/10, but not even a top-50 "foreign film". Basically the entire Fellini catalogue is far better. "The Tin Drum" is the best non-American film I've seen.

A part of me thinks this is canned French culture packaged to Americans. The film is better than that though. But modern day Paris is nothing like its portrayed in "Amelie". This film is probably more highly regarded in America than it is in France.

"For dark is the suede that mows like a harvest"

[–] enigma-lake 10 years ago

I've seen lots and lots of foreign films and think this film is beyond great.

[–] FryHigh 10 years ago

The issue you seem to be having is with the vision of the director. It's not 'canned French culture'. It's a fantasy brought to life by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Your issue seems to be with the vision, and that's fine. I find Jean-Pierre Jeunet's French fantasy land amazing. I'm guessing others feel the same. The visionary theme is similar in all of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's movies. I'm guessing you also don't like his other movies, and that's fine. Just means you don't like the vision.

[–] chas437 10 years ago

Maybe read my post again? I indicate that its a very good film.

I'm a civilian, I'm not a trout

[–] Towelie_Towel (1699) 7 months ago

Who said it was trying to be realistic?
That's a weird criticism for an obvious fantasy movie.

[–] sevenmarie 11 years ago

what i get from your post is you think that violent/crime filled black and white movies are better than uplifting ones about loneliness and love

[–] puschit-1 11 years ago

Let's put it this way: I am a guy and usually hate romantic movies but I loved this one. Every romantic movie that is able to pull that off must be something special.

The movie is just heart-warming and not in a kitchy way that would normally make me puke.

[–] dmny92 10 years ago

Well said! Exactly what I felt while watching it.

I can see why you (the OP) could consider it to be rated too high, but ratings are highly subjective. I liked the artistic style, I felt connected to the characters (being an introvert helped, even if I'm a guy I could still understand her behaviour/thinking process) and locations, the movie touched me when it should have, it's a memorable experience for me and that's what I consider great movies do. Objectively speaking it is overrated. But that's probably because many people could relate to it, therefore enjoyed it a lot.

[–] VictoriaTeh 10 years ago

I'm a gal, but I share your view. I usually hate soppy romances, but this one was great. It had such pop humour and was deep without being dark. I also really liked the pace, the story kept rolling.

to the OP. There might be other contenders for " the best" but this one would certainly be in my top 10. Of course Wong Fei Hong and Gui Shi Long have a special place in my heart since childhood.

[–] DracTarashV 10 years ago

It's an incredibly well made film (I reckon it's the main reason the film is so highly regarded), but most of it was just uninteresting to me. I had a few genuine laughs, though.

Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!

[–] velcronewsletter 10 years ago

its a bit odd and whimsical, its a bit of a change from a lot of other films

[–] tomislav888 10 years ago

i feel pity for you and your opinion :(

[–] Prince911 10 years ago

I think it's one of the greatest films in general.

You wish it was Ted! Don't forget to set the alarm...

[–] andrewwilson 10 years ago

For me, the cinematography alone makes this one of the best films. Never mind one of the best "foreign" films.

You can take almost any single frame of this movie and it looks spectacular.