Life in a tin can: A movie blog about the metaphoric life of Amélie
- Angelika Espejo
- Sep 18, 2020
- 3 min read
When someone talks about love, one place would pop up into someone’s mind. The Eiffel Tower located in the city of love, Paris. France has been known for various historic landmarks and their rich French cuisine as well. The reason why we’re talking about France and love is because the movie ahead shows a playful take on both of these things.
“Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain,” is a French Rom-Com film that came out on the year, 2001, directed by Jean-Pierre Junet. It was a story about a young woman who works at a bistro at the heart of Montmartre, Paris. Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou) barely received the love and attention that she deserves during her childhood. His father (Raphaël Poulain) is a doctor who diagnosed her with a heart defect. As a result, Amélie lost contact with other people due to this diagnosis. Amandine Poulain (Lorella Cravotta), her mother, died when they went to Notre Dame to pray for a baby brother.

Warning: Spoiler Alert
One night, Amélie was shocked with the news about the death of Princess Diana. As she struggles to process the news, she dropped a bottle cap that made the greatest turn of her life. She found a treasure that was hide by someone who lived in her apartment long ago. Our female lead made various acts of effort in order to reunite the owner with the memories that lost treasure bears.
Amélie found her purpose after returning the treasure that she discovered. The look on the owner’s face made her realize what she’s supposed to do, help other people. She continued to do good deeds and somehow received something in return. Something that most of us wants, something that comes in different shapes and forms. Something that comes in the most unexpected moments of our lives.
The woman who has been showing nothing but kindness and love towards the people around her finally got what she’s looking for. After numerous encounters with a man named Nino Quincampoix (Mathieu Kassovitz), Amélie discovered what she needed the most. I won’t tell you, do yourself a favor, watch the film. It is fantastic.
This French film explores a playful approach that shows a suppressed life of an individual whose childhood was robbed by a false diagnosis. The characters show a connection through their unique love for what they do. From the concierge, the artist, the father, the man who works in the local produce shop and of course, Amélie. The way that the characters are introduced was very specific and concise. The casting was on point, starting from actors and actresses, they really gave their character the justice that it deserved. It is indeed a trip right after you press the play button.
The camera work is on spot in considering how it emphasizes the emotions that the characters are trying to give the audience. From extreme close ups to medium shots, this film tends to open the viewers’ eyes into appreciating emotions.
When it comes to what we hear in the film, the sound design is there, but it appears that what you hear is almost natural. There are hardly no fake sound effects, at least to my ears. The music also made a huge impact in terms of setting up the mood. Just when you don’t expect it, it will be there to soothe things up.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet succeeded in binding both comedy and romance into one spectacular film. The film made a huge success in France and won four Césars out of 13 nominations along with awards such as Best Film and Best Director.
Jeunet's direction makes the beauty spot of Paris as the setting for Amélie's missions of mercy. The screenplay of Guillaume Laurant has these flashes of light that shine brightly, and the quality of being original. From its marvelous opening to the captivating closing scenes, Amélie has this we call special.
If you are a fan of love stories and wants to have a good laugh while watching, check this movie out. It’s not just your typical meet and attach type of love. It is a story that works like a puzzle. Just like love, it doesn’t come out as easy as we might think. A great rom-com movie that flares a different take on the concept of love.
Amélie won with a total of 59 awards and 73 nominations. Including the BAFTA Award (2002), Amanda Awards in Norway (2002), Art Directors Guild (2002), Association of Polish Filmmakers Critics' Awards (2001, and many more. This just explains how the film Amélie catches the hearts and eyes of the people in the world.
Rating: 9/10
Amélie Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUECWi5pX7o

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