Insight "Amelie" is one of the two "big" french comedies about to hit the screens during the holiday period [the second film is "The Closet"] and what a joy it is to be feted by such wonderful humour and beautiful characters. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet [Delicatessen] has stamped his creative authority right across this french charmer which ensures we have a memorable journey with the central character Amelie. There is no need to really try and fathom out the necessities of who, why, when and where in "Amelie" as it has no bearing at all on the outcome to the viewer, rather "Amelie" is on of those films where one just sits back and enjoys the trip. And, just when it may all get too much for us, Jeunet puts in a refreshing little pit stop allowing the audience time to soak up all that has been before without losing track of where they are. The "Amelie" takes off again as it heads for a delightful and delicious conclussion. One could easily describe "Amelie" as a "delicatessen". No, not your aussie delicatessen, but rather one of those continental deli's , jammed full of sights, smells and a myriad of sensations flooding the mind at what one can experience and see only in that special environment. So let your mind go and as I've written on many occassions, "forget the bloody subtitles" and just enjoy an experience that you can't get anywhere else [other than in a french comedy]. "Amelie" is a must see!! So see it soon. The Story Amelie Poulain [Audrey Tautou] works at a cafe` called Les Deux Moulins and lives a solitary life in a world of her own surrounded by a kaleidoscope of sight, sounds and colorful characters. Mis-diagnosed as a sickly child and raised by over protective parents in those delicate, formative years, Amelie knows how to survive using her imaginative and creative mind. Our journey with Amelie quickly skims across those chilhood years, her mothers sudden death and being raised by her decidedly removed father, to the present, where she is now free from those constraints and is a wide eyed young woman with a broad smile and a mind that is alert to all that is surrounding her. When she accidently finds an old box full of childhood treasures hidden behind a wall in her apartment it changes her life. After tracking down the owner and returning his lost treasures she decides to dedicate her life to helping others find true happiness. That will all change when by chance she meets Nino [Mathieu Kassovitz]. Nino is as enigmatic as "Amelie" but a far deeper mystery for her to unravel. Nino collects discarded and torn passport photos from photo booths all over Paris and Amelie is fascinated by him. Could Amelie Poulain be falling in love? She hopes it is so, but first she must prove to herself that Nino can discover her for himself. It's a delightful journey full of adventure and intrigue coupled to some magic moments while the comedy is both witty and lively. The Verdict "Charming, witty, refreshing and a delight to see. "Amelie" provides an endless vista of memorable moments that will leave you feeling good on the inside and laughing on the outside. A real charmer." - Rated MA 15+ The Critics

"Audrey Tautou is unsettlingly reminiscent of a young Jean Simmons in many shots, and her performance is every bit as good, too. She acts with her eyes in a way many great golden age actresses do [Sophia Loren, Ingrid Bergman . . .].To enjoy it most, simply surrender to the fantasies and the tour de farce which stamps all of Jeunet’s work. Andrew L Urban URBANCINEFILE "Whimsical, fresh and joyous filmmaking, Amélie is a fabulous fable. The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie is as rich and satisfying as its music. It’s rich with complex layers of the human condition, and set in beautiful Paris, we are overwhelmed by the journey. But just as the thrust of the film shows that the smallest little things can make such an impact, the outcome is a sweet, uplifting, capricious journey that we are compelled to make." Louise Keller URBANCINEFILE "It deserves to be cherished, hugged and celebrated." Jeffrey M Anderson SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER "Amelie understands our little insanities and appreciates us for them." Ross Anthony HOLLYWOOD REPORT CARD "A genuine triumph for Jeunet, and a daring change of pace." William Arnold SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER "A delicious pastry of a movie." Roger Ebert CHICAGO SUN-TIMES "From start to finish, "Amelie" is a captivating charmer." Jeanne Aufmuth AUFMUTH.COM "Tautou's sublime performance and the film's unshakable devotion to her make for a deeply satisfying experience." Chris Barsanti CITYSEARCH "There is originality and style galore as pretty Amelie works hard to make positive changes in the lives of those around her." Robin Clifford REELING REVIEWS "A movie whose embrace of cinema is so passionate it could be mistaken for an embrace of life." Mick LaSalle SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE "The sunniest face and the greatest acclaim belong to Audrey Tautou, who is new to these shores. A delight in the title role, she's like a young Audrey Hepburn, making us laugh and feel empathy without feeling manipulated." Peter Howell TORONTO STAR "Jeunet transforms the often fraught-filled, near-impossible goal of finding love into a wondrous and happily fated adventure." Mary Kalin-Casey REEL.COM "This is what The Movies are supposed to be all about, magical, transporting confections of dreams and hopes and kindness and true love." MaryAnn Johanson FLICK FILOSOPHER

The Cast

	Audrey Tautou Mathieu Kassovitz Rufus Yolande Moreau Artus de Penguern Urbain Cancelier Maurice Bénichou Dominique Pinon Claude Perron Michel Robin Isabelle Nanty Clotilde Mollet Claire Maurier Serge Merlin Jamel Debbouze	... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...		Amélie Nino Quincampoix Raphaël Poulain[Amélie's Father] Madeleine Wallace[Concierge] Hipolito[The Writer] Collignon[The Grocer] Bretodeau[The Box Man] Joseph Eva[The Strip Teaser] Old Man Collignon Georgette Gina Suzanne Dufayel Lucien

Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet ©2001 - Miramax Films - All Rights Reserved