Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

Little Amélie is an adaptation of the ninth book by writer Amélie Nothomb, known in the Czech Republic also through the live-action adaptation of her autobiographical novel Fear and Trembling (2003). One of the most renowned contemporary Belgian authors returns here to the early phase of her life, which she spent in Japan.

The first three years of little Amélie's life are marked by various twists. The girl is at first a motionless observer of her surroundings, then suddenly awakens and becomes almost aggressive. Calm comes to her through her Belgian grandmother, who unexpectedly disappears from her life. These and other upheavals are eventually stabilized by the kind Japanese nanny Nishio, who becomes Amélie's true friend and companion. On the day of her third birthday, however, something unexpected happens...

Little Amélie, or The Nature of Rain, is an animated film told through a child's eyes—the eyes of a girl overwhelmed by emotions, for whom respect and understanding from those around her are essential. The film was presented at Cannes and Annecy, and this year was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.