This March, Escapes, a nationwide initiative supported by the BFI, will mark the 25th anniversary of beloved French romantic comedy Amélie with more than 100 free screenings at independent cinemas across the UK, including The Showroom in Sheffield.
Amélie tells the story of Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou), a shy and quirky waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better while dealing with her own isolation.
First released in 2001 and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeneut, the film became a break-out global phenomenon, defying all expectations for a French-language romantic comedy to become an international box office hit, grossing $174.4 million.
Its reputation since has only grown. In recent years, The New York Times hailed Amélie as one of the best movies of the 21st century. American Cinematographer named it the best shot film of the decade. BBC Culture asked ‘is Amélie the most stylish film ever made?’
Audrey Tautou’s performance as Amélie brought her international recognition overnight. The film received 5 Oscar nominations, and 2 BAFTA wins. Irresistibly iconic and beautifully crafted, the romantic comedy’s surreal Parisian world still inspires today.
