2001, 2 hrs, Rated R for sexual content.�Dir: Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Cast: Audrey Tautou (Am�lie), Mathieu Kassovitz (Nino Quincampoix).

A nice thing happened before the movie. While buying my water at the counter, the cashier rang up mine with the water for the pretty young coed next in line, assuming we were together. "Thank you for thinking that," I told her!

Of course, it is also chalked up as another missed opportunity, as the lovely young woman played along, enjoying my conversation, and I did absolutely nothing about it.

I wish this had happened after the movie, because Am�lie is the kind of film that will embolden you, and perhaps shake that pathetic shyness.

Am�lie was charming, to say the least. Most of the movie's just so adorable, you can't help but giggle like a kid getting pushed on the swings by a parent. I suppose that in the States we'd refer to it as a romantic comedy, but that seems to be a flippant disservice.

It's a quirky movie, and pays attention to the little things in life that make it worthwhile, whether that be an odd hobby or noticing things in a movie that no one else would.

Am�lie takes place at the end of August, 1997. If you don't recognize that date as anything important, then let me remind you that Princess Di died in Paris on August 30. While the movie doesn't deal with her death, everything that happens in the next two days to Am�lie is very, very indirectly triggered by this tragedy in her hometown. It does provide a familiar backdrop for the audience to latch onto.

Audrey Tautou is such a darling, it's hard not to fall for those big brown saucers she has for eyes, and that she's named Audrey just seems to perfect to be true. The camera loves her face, and with her waif figure complimented by non-revealing outfits (which I prefer), her typical outfit consisting of a blouse with long skirt was very attractive. I read an article that said she could be a trendsetter, and were that to be true I would be a happy guy.

I loved the metaphor she and the Glass Man continually explored between her and the girl drinking the water in the Renoir painting. It was ideal for Am�lie's life, of a dreamer who is amid the party but who looks outside the picture, sticking out among her peers as the world seemingly revolves around her.

Besides Tautou, I really enjoyed the remarkable supporting characters and stimulating dialogue (although some of the translation confused me, but that's okay), and the shot making certainly kept it fresh. I just never knew what to expect, but didn't care as I was enjoying the ride.

The verdict:

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