Little Amélie or the Character of Rain: Directors Discuss Their Vision of Childhood
Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han adapted Little Amélie or the Character of Rain with a distinct graphic style. The film, which premiered this year at Cannes' Directors’ Fortnight, received praise for its bold visual approach and touching story based on Amélie Nothomb’s bestselling autobiographical novel.
Film Reception and Release
- The 2D digitally animated French-language film won the Audience Award at Annecy.
- It premiered in North America at the Toronto International Film Festival.
- The U.S. theatrical release began on November 7 through distributor GKIDS.
Setting and Story
Set in postwar Japan, where Western foreigners coexisted with local traditions, Amélie (voiced by Loïse Charpentier) spends her early childhood under the care of her devoted nanny, Nishio-san (Victoria Grosbois). To her family, Amélie is an enigmatic figure, embodying the Japanese view that young children resemble gods rather than humans.
"That sense of mystery unravels on Amélie’s third birthday, when a family event — and her very first taste of chocolate — alters her world and sets her on a path of discovery."
Creative Team
The 78-minute film was directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han. The screenplay was written by Han, Vallade, French screenwriter Aude Py, and art director and production designer Eddine Noël, known for Long Way North and The Little Prince.
Author's summary:
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain is a visually striking 2D animated film exploring childhood mystery and cultural identity in postwar Japan through a heartfelt adaptation of an autobiographical novel.