ANNCEY 2025: Little Amélie – 3D Animated Tale Review

ANNCEY 2025: Little Amélie – 3D Animated Tale Review

– The movie, based on Amélie Nothomb’s novel “Métaphysique des tubes”, is a 3D animated story revolving around a toddler born to Belgian parents in Japan.
– This toddler spends the first two years of her life in a vegetative state before suddenly stirring to life.
– The narrative unfolds as we witness the extraordinary journey of her awakening, tempered by the soothing presence of her loving Granny.
– A piece of sugary confectionery offered by the granny becomes a symbol of calming reassurance in the tale.
– Skwigly Animation Magazine recently released a review of this emotion-stirring feature.

ANNECY 2025: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain – Review

A Sweet Awakening – Sugar, Spice and Everything Rice

Well, colour me flabbergasted and sprinkle me with sugar! Whoever thought a toddler’s first two years of life could be such a roller coaster ride in 3D animation, and who knew sugar could play the role of a calming buddha? Raise a glass (or a pacifier) to the makers of ‘Little Amélie’ for conjuring such a mesmerising saga out of exquisite, celestial vegetative states and confectionery morsels.

A Sugary Symphony of Flavours – Granny’s Love Packed in a Wrapper

On a side note, my regular dentist is going to throw a fit with me advocating for sugary confections as Buddha of Calmness. But hopefully, he’ll see the 3D animation and realize the sweet tooth isn’t a devil after all. Hitting the dental chair doesn’t seem so bad now; I’ll be able to squeeze in some more of ‘Little Amélie,’ while he’s drilling away!

In conclusion, get ready to toss out all the old rules and take your taste buds and eyes on an unforgettable adventure. Toddler life has never been brought so vividly to life before, nor has the power of nanny’s candies been such a force of almost mythical proportions. The makers of ‘Little Amélie’ deserve a standing ovation, especially for those of us who still have a ‘sweet tooth’ for stunning animation and poignant story-telling.

Drawing inspiration from Amélie Nothomb’s novel “Métaphysique des tubes”, our cinematic story revolves around a toddler born in Japan to Belgian parents. After spending two years in a vegetative state, she suddenly comes alive to the world around her. Soothed by a piece of Belgian chocolate given by her caring grandmother, young Amélie, despite being dormant for years, starts speaking, walking and believes that she is a god.

The narrative is vividly perceived through Amélie eyes, introducing us to the complexities of life, death, love, and acceptance. The story explores these heavy themes through the lens of a toddler in an endearing and relatable way. While the story features a child at the centre, it transcends the genre of childrens’ films with dramatic elements and unexpected twists.

Through journeying with her caretaker, Nishio-San, from the stern landlady Kashima-San, Amélie begins to understand the world and confront significant shifts that challenge her world view.

This beautiful world created by directors Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han reminds one of Rémi Chayé’s style but carves out its own niche through surreal and fantastical elements. The noticeable use of light and bold colour palettes throughout adds depth to the characters and enhances the beauty of the landscapes, bringing the film to life.

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain reminds us of the joy of living, despite life’s challenges. Its mesmerizing visuals, touching soundtrack, and captivating storytelling all amount to a captivating movie that is more than just a visual treat.


Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/annecy-2025-little-amelie-or-the-character-of-rain-review/