Wow. Finally, I got to see something good again. This film is in French with English subtitles, so it's not for everyone, but for those who can enjoy it, it is a really good film.
We basically start with the birth of Amelie (sounds like "Emily") and her growing up with her father, the doctor, and her mother, the teacher. We get no less than 20 minutes of voiceover introducing her, her like/dislikes, those of her family, friends, and all those around her. It was a strange way to set up this world, but remarkably effective since we knew everyone from the get go without trying to figure them out as we go along. It goes a bit over the top occasionally, but it's better to know than not to know.
The story revolves around Amelie's interactions with these people and how she wishes to help people in her own way. It all started when she found a forgotten box of treasures, and the owner's reaction when she returned it. It inspired her to do as much good as possible, and she does in very often humorous ways. She moves on to helping others in the best way she knows how, and while it occasionally backfires, she often succeeds in amusing and unique ways.
The characters are very well rounded, interesting, and unique in their quirky ways. The lady behind the cigarette counter is not just about the stoagies...she's a hypochondriac. That guy who's always in the bar? Well, he's hung up on the waitress and is stalking her. The inevitable romantic interest? He collects pictures that people have thrown away from under photo booths. Just an incredible assortment of unique individuals that made this film that much more enjoyable to watch and follow.
I laughed quite a few times at the silliness that went on here, but it was so simple that I throughly enjoyed every moment. Granted, the subtitled movies aren't for everyone, but if you ever wanted to try one, this would be a great start.
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