The Wasteland Reviewer

Little Amelie of the Character of Rain (2025) Written Review

How does one offer up a coming-of-age tale or childhood story that feels unique and interesting? There are so many films out there that have explored childhood in a variety of periods as well as different storytelling perspectives. The realm of animation has always been one that is creative and compelling for sure. There is so much creative space in animation to explore the imagination and view of young kids. Directors Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han bring the memoir of Amelie Nothomb to life in such vivid, creative, and engrossing ways with the new animated achievement, Little Amelie or The Character of Rain. 

How impressive is the visual experience that Vallade and Han have created? Little Amelie is one of the single most gorgeous films this year, let alone just in the animation population. The richness of this visual experience is something to be awed at. Looking at the colors is something to praise with so many rich tones and textures that makes this experience so vivid. The animation design is textured and layered while offering up a visual style that is both child friendly but dynamic enough to engage everyone. You can see the specific textures of hair and clothing. But the more imaginative elements of Amelie’s story are where the animator really gets to shine with these bold, creative, and rich worlds that this young imagination crafts for the audience. The music is rich and emotive (thank you for the amazing work from composer Mari Fukuhara) that also captures elements of this Japanese set story. For just over 70 minutes, the audience is taken on a wondrous and gorgeous cinematic experience. 

Does the story of Amelie offer up an engaging experience for the audience? This young girl is so precocious and intelligent giving this story such a unique and bold view. She has a beautiful connection with her Nishio-San (her Granny) that brings so much life to this little girl’s world view. The way she explores life is presented in such a bold and unique way that it is not what you usually experience in such a nostalgic, childhood film. The true human element of the story injects a sobering reality into such a vibrant and bold experience. There are some deeply emotional moments, and the film does not shy away from showing a young child processing such loss. The wonderful and imaginative antics of Amelie and Kashima-San just might be the true heart of the story. Childlike wonder is the true driving focus of this electric, vibrant, and fully engrossing experience. 

With animation, you need a strong voice cast to add that last layer, right? Loise Charpentier is a wonderfully cast young performer who brings so much life to Amelie. There is a strong nature to her performance that feels authentic. Confidence is felt strongly behind this charming and precocious character who is the whole anchor in the film. Victoria Grobois delivers a charismatic and magnetic turn as Amelie’s Granny, making such an impact on this young girl. Yuni Fujimori makes a good impact as well in her role as Amelie companion. The whole cast is quite affecting and moving with the right amount of empathy to connect with this family. 

What impact does Little Amelie leave when those credits begin to roll? This animated film is a bold and beautiful experience that is hard to argue with. There is a rich foundation to Amelie’s story that is easy to connect with. The imagination shown by this young girl comes to life in the most vivid and engrossing of ways which gives Little Amelie some of its most cinematic elements. The balance of childhood wonder and some sobering human reality makes this one of the most affecting and impressive animated films of the year.