France | Belgium 2025
Opening June 11, 2026

Directed by: Maïlys Vallade, Liane-Cho Han Jin Kuang
Writing credits: Liane-Cho Han Jin Kuang, Aude Py, Maïlys Vallade
Principal actors: Animation: Nelia Olbrich, Kristina von Weltzien, Jens Wendland, Katharina von Keller, Loïse Charpentier, Victoria Grosbois, Yumi Fujimori 

Amélie is born in a bubble and hovers all alone in the sky. Two years later, her bubble bursts and she tumbles to the ground, where she learns to integrate herself into the real world, which happens to be Japan, although her parents are originally from Belgium. She has two older siblings. The family housekeeper Nishio-san is a positive connection, running from room to room with the vacuum cleaner, which Amélie thinks is an “animal.” Learning to speak, her first word is “vacuum cleaner,” and then, naturally, “Mama,” “Papa,” and “Grandma.” Amélie argues with her siblings, reads books, enjoys flowers and meets Kashima-san, an older woman in a blue dress. There is more family action, including a death in the family and a celebration on her third birthday.

This animated film is based on the autobiography Métaphysique des tubes by Amélie Nothomb. The original film title is Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes and in English is presented as Little Amelie or the Character of Rain. Recommended for children age six or older, I would include even younger viewers. Adults, who accompany their children, can enjoy the artistic animation, a bit different than one might expect. Amélie was in competition in all of the popular film festivals, e.g., Academy Awards, European Film, BAFTA, Golden Globes, Cannes Film Festival, etc. We go home hungry for chocolate, which plays a major role. Supported by the song “Kai no Bakansa” (“Yes, we have no Bananas”) by Louis Prima. (Becky T.)