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Parents' Guide to

Amelie

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Thoughtful, charming, whimsical film has mature moments.

Movie R 2001 122 minutes
Amelie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 13 parent reviews

ScratchDad
ScratchDad Adult
March 21, 2020
age 11+

A sweet, good-hearted, magical film. Don't be scared by the quick montage of ...s-e-x.

For all that Common Sense gets right this one is a bungle. Both in the official review and the parents' assessment. A key for parents to know is while this film is rated R in the USA, it was rated for all ages in France. Rated for 7 year olds in much of Europe and even our neighbors to the north rated it suitable for 14 year olds. This film has so much joy and fun and love in it that it is a sad shame if you are depriving your tween being a part of it because of very quick (and actually funny) orgasm montage. We actually consciously made this film the first film our daughter saw with any nudity or sex. We talked about it ahead of time and the moment passes in a flash. I was glad we, her parents, were in control of that moment and also glad it was a film so full of happiness as this one. Yes, a character works in a sex shop but that was not really noticed by her as an almost 11 year old. As I've used Common Sense Media over the years I've been grateful for it. Most of the reviews come within striking distance of having appropriate recommendations. Then I occasionally remember this one and check back and just shake my head. Oh, and a bonus, if you're kid hasn't done subtitles before this is a great one to show them!
johntyro
johntyro Adult
August 23, 2019
age 13+

A film that teens should be able to watch

This is a wonderful movie. It is about how a young woman escapes from her daily routine by finding beauty in simple acts of kindness. There is some sex, one character works in a sex shop, bare breasted women are seen and some few more details. But, all of the sexual references are done in a way that shows that sexuality is a very normal thing in people's lives. Even the scenes in a sex shop aim to illustrate how the commodification of sex makes it more bland. So, not only is it wonderful movie, but its "inappropriate" aspects are introduced in an incredibly healthy manner
See all 13 parent reviews

What's the Story?

AMELIE (Audrey Tatou) grows up the lonely child of parents who do not know how to show their love for her. She becomes a thoughtful, quiet, observant girl who decides to change the lives of those around her, opening hearts to the adventure that is waiting for them, taking revenge on a cruel grocer, bringing together a couple who are afraid to show their longing for each other, and bringing the outside world to a reclusive painter and to her own father. But will she do for herself what she has done for others and find love with the mysterious collector of rejected photo booth pictures? And who is the "ghost" who appears in so many of the torn photos?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (13 ):
Kids say (23 ):

This film is filled with airy whimsical charm the way that a chocolate soufflé is filled with air. Audrey Tatou is just right as Amélie, a perfect gamine in a Lulu haircut. Writer-director Jean-Pierre Jeunet gives the story a feeling somewhere between fairy tale and documentary. His behind-the-scenes glimpses of the characters' likes and dislikes – from cleaning out a toolbox and getting fingers pruny in the bath to sticking a hand in a barrel of grain and cracking the sugar on a crème brulée -- are deliciously particular and somehow very touching.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Amélie wants to help people from a distance and is reluctant to show herself to the man who attracts her.

  • Why do so many people need outside help to find happiness? Is there someone you would like to help?

  • How does Amélie demonstrate compassion and empathy? What about curiosity and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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