DVD Review: Amelie (A)

Amelie (2001)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Starring Audrey Tautou, Mathieu Kassovitz, Rufus, Yolande Moreau and Maurice Benichou
MPAA: R
Grade: A

Originally to be released in America under the title "The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulain", the incredible film Amelie is the work of an artist at top form. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet has to be regarded as one of the most brilliant minds in cinema today. Best known in the U.S. for directing Alien Resurrection (Alien 4), he is also the man behind the wondrous City of Lost Children (1995) and the indie hit Delicatessen (1991).

The title character Amelie Poulain is young woman who has been sheltered most of her life, and yet she has a vivid imagination and a true creative spirit within. When she discovers a long lost box of trinkets and photos, she decides to track down the owner of the box. She returns it anonymously and the owner is overcome with emotion upon receiving this fifty year old time capsule.

The success of her efforts convinces Amelie that she should devote the rest of her life to performing good deeds for others, all the while keeping her identity secret. She embarks on a mission to continually help others but as she does, she learns a little bit about herself as well.

The breathtaking camera work, visual effects and art direction behind Amelie are stunning to say the least. The fairy tale story is told in an intelligent manner and there are numerous spots of comedy and tension to keep the story from ever seeming flat or predictable.

Amelie was nominated for five Academy awards including Best Foreign Language Film, and it won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. The title role was intended for rising film star Emily Watson, but she had contractual obligations to do Gosford Park and had to back out. Audrey Tatou is incredible in the title role however, and its hard to imagine anyone else as Amelie. Her work is that good.

Amelie is certainly one of the best films to come out on DVD this year and it would make a worthy addition to any true film lover's collection.

Buy Amelie On DVD From Amazon.com