'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain' film review: Joy, love & loss through the eyes of a child
A young Belgian girl growing up in Japan begins to take in the world around her in the animated family drama 'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain' (opening in theaters on Nov. 7).
In short: Amélie, a Belgian child in Japan, explores life with her companion Nishio-san. Her third birthday becomes a turning point, marking the beginning of life-altering events that shape her understanding of the world.
'Little Amélie' is a visually striking work that vividly brings a rather normal world to life. The story is exclusively told through the eyes of a young girl taking in the world around her. Unlike most animated films that center on fantastical characters or backdrops, the film follows a little Belgian girl learning big life lessons about love and loss. It's almost impossible to imagine how this story could possibly be realized as a live-action film as 'Little Amélie' is so specifically from the her perspective as a little girl approaching her third birthday. This means the film sometimes hyperbolically depicts the world around her - but this makes sense as this is her story, told from her perspective.
The film is based on a short novel by Belgian author Amélie Nothomb - and every frame feels like cherished memories recalled and retold. At a brisk 77 minutes, this is a constantly engaging as the film is always at Amélie's side as the little girl learns about life and the world around her. Although told from the perspective of a young child, the film absolutely respects Amélie's emotions and revelations. The French film is beautifully animated and delicately told, but the true heart and soul of 'Little Amélie' is its complete respect for the little girl's big feelings and big emotions. The emotional core of these memories defines this heartfelt, sweet, joyous and melancholic recollection of little Amélie unusual childhood as a little Belgian girl growing up in a nation still recovering from the ravages of World War II.
Impressionistic vibrance stuns in the film’s first half, but powerful awakenings of a little girl learning heartbreaking life lessons elevate ‘Little Amélie’ into a profoundly beautiful celebration of memories and loved ones long since passed. Memories are ephemeral but this film elegantly makes these small moments forever and universal.
Final verdict: 'Little Amélie' radiates the vibrance of daily life, beautifully capturing evocative moments of childhood.
Score: 4/5
'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain' opens in theaters starting Nov. 7. The animated drama has a runtime of 77 minutes and is rated PG for thematic content, peril and brief scary images.
