MovieChat Forums > Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2002) Discussion > Watched it for the first time and I simp...

Watched it for the first time and I simply fell in love

posted 11 years ago by NandoGuy
7 replies | jump to latest

I am listening to Comptine d'Un Autre Ete as I write this. I just have to say what a wonderful film with such a lovely soundtrack this is.

I've seen the poster for this film for years now, and I've always had a bitter, negative attitude towards it. "Looks annoying - not watching it." I had made my mind up about it before even watching or knowing anything about it. I always assumed it was an overly quirky romantic comedy with no substance or even humour. For my attitude I suppose I didn't even deserve to experience such a gem of a film - karma?

Well last night I was scrolling through Netflix and I saw it sitting under "Critcally aclaimed" or whatever category it was in. It had been a long tiring day, I had my cat sleeping on my chest... The setting was perfect for good viewing so I put all preconceived notions aside and pressed play.

I laid there utterly entranced by this movie. I think I had a smile on my face for the entire duration. It was such a breath of fresh air - I don't think I've seen such a wonderfully original and unique movie ever. I loved how it played with adult themes in such a colourful and positive way.

I'm huge on movie soundtracks and I think this is easily one of the best I've heard. It stirred my heart in funny ways.

I loved the colourful, fantasy and almost cartoonish setting. Very refreshing.

I think someone on this board called this movie deranged - I agree totally, it is beautifully deranged. The scene where Amelie rides on the ghost train where guy is "wooing" in her ear was absolutely wonderful. The way this movie placed such a wonderful moment in such a ridiculous setting is why I loved it. It's such an oddball movie in a non-Scott-Pilgrim-hiptster way.

A sincere, honest and beautiful movie at that. I can't wait to watch it again.

I met a Belgian girl a few months ago in another country, she's got a very close resemblance to Audrey Tatou - especially the eyes, nose, mouth and even the short hair that Amelie has. Her personality and mannerisms closely resembled Amelie's too - and ofcourse she speaks fluent french. A very beautiful and wonderful girl who also works in a cafe. This movie reminded me how much I want to marry a girl like Amelie, or specifically the girl I met. It makes me miss her. Her face, smile, kiss - she even kissed like Amelie does in the film, is that a European thing?

I see the world in a different way after watching this movie. It enforces such a positive outlook and it genuinely made me feel happy.

Although this film didn't make me cry or shriek with laughter, it instilled a great sense of love in me. Love for the sake of love, happiness, helping people, beauty...

Did this movie have an affect like this on anyone else here?

[–] !!!deleted!!! (14789810) 11 years ago

This film certainly has its charm.

It's not the type of film I would have really thought I would enjoy as well, but after viewing it, it had its effect. It certainly captures the imagination with its colours, imagery, and music.

http://www.imdb.com/list/rJuB9UoASlQ/

[–] tmaj48 11 years ago

When I first saw this in the theater, almost from the very beginning of the movie, when
Amelie talks about her likes and dislikes (such as how people driving in movies don't look like they're really driving), and the cat's likes and dislikes are
also mentioned, I was infatuated with it. It just got better from there. I don't
think I've ever fallen in love with a movie so quickly. Every time I see it I;m
bowled over again and again by its creativity. For me, it's the best film of the
21st century, as well as one of the greatest films of all time.

I'm not crying, you fool, I'm laughing!

Hewwo.

[–] jmaffey-279-997172 9 years ago

I could not have reviewed the film better.
I loved it as much as you, if not more. I, too, was hesitant to watch it for years and when I finally gave in, it instantly became one of my favorites. The only difference between your perspective and mine is that as a female, I related to her in so many aspects. The question posed by the glass man, "You mean she would rather imagine herself relating to an absent person than build relationships with those around her?" struck a chord.
-Rachel Tiffany

[–] I_Created_U 9 years ago

Wow, awesome post!

Even if i totally agree with your opinion of this wonderful movie, what i got me is your comparison with this beautiful stranger you met.

Thanks for sharing!

People who don't like their beliefs being laughed at shouldn't have such funny beliefs

[–] morganmf 8 years ago

Thanks for one of the nicest posts I have read on IMDB! And like someone else said, your relating it to a real lady was very moving. I hope you meet her again, or someone like her.

I bought both the US and French Amelie DVD's so I could get all the extras possible (I am a Brit and speak reasonable French so I could deal with that and enjoy it).

This is a movie I will watch at least once a year, forever.

Others are "Zorba the Greek" and "Morgan - a Suitable Case for Treatment." They all deal with the daftness and depth of we human beings, in a way that makes me laugh and cry and be glad to be alive. Bravo to Amelie and to you!

[–] thylacine89 8 years ago

I agree with you 100%
I watched this last night for the first time in more than 10 years, and loved every minute of it. How can you not fall in love with the character of Amélie, or the waif-like beauty of Audrey Tautou?
There are so many heart-warming scenes, and so many funny ones too. Even the conundrum of the man who always throws his photos away was treated creatively. Such a banal explanation, but so well done.
This is definitely one of my all-time favourite films.
Those people who don't "get it" because it's a typically French-style film are missing out, and I hope they will give it a second chance, as I feel certain they will be rewarded.

[–] ekeby 8 years ago

I liked this film immediately.

But what you describe has happened to me more than once with other films. I'll put off watching because the synopsis sounds insipid or I don't particularly care for the subject matter, or one of the actors. Petty things. Having a film overcome these prejudices speaks more about the strength of the film (for me) than any number of positive reviews.

I think many film lovers have this experience. Loving a film of which you were skeptical is a great reward. And it does happen. Unfortunately, the opposite is more often true for me. I look forward to seeing a film that's been widely praised only to find it lacking, or worse, I end up hating it. That's why the experience you shared is worth mentioning; it doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's a gift.

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