When artistic animation is done right, it can capture real life better than live-action. LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN is a small miracle of a film that was able to capture the spirit and imagination of what it’s like to be three years old. It’s been a while since an animated film has captured post-war Japan like GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES. Although this is not a war film, it explores the fallout of war and how it can tear apart a beautiful country.
LITTLE AMÉLIE works so well because of the profound connection between Amélie and what could be described as the au pair, Nishio-San. Audiences get to watch their friendship blossom through several seasons of life and death. It brought tears to my eyes thinking of my kid, and I could 100% relate to the fact that “at three, he can see everything, and understand nothing.”
The animation style in LITTLE AMÉLIE is gorgeous. A few key creators worked on the 2019 film, I LOST MY BODY. And while both films share a similar look and feel, that one was grimy, whereas LITTLE AMÉLIE’s animation only furthers its magic.
Final Thought: Sometimes films like LITTLE AMÉLIE are meant to be small. The messages are deep, yet the story structure, character development, and moments are not those of a big-budget blockbuster. And sometimes, if we are lucky enough, those small films find a special way into our hearts.
It’s available to rent or buy on most streaming platforms.