Having actually visited Paris before watching this film again I found an additional joy by noticing the little details unknown to me on previous viewings. I have walked the steps of the Sacre Couer, have seen the photograph kiosks in the train station, have seen the top of the Notre Dame. These actions did not bring any further realizations into the film, but brought a little more joy to my viewing. It is like when a film is set in an area you once lived. It may not have anything to do with you, but there is a pleasant joy in knowing where the events take place.

The film does not look or feel like the Paris that I visited last Christmas. It is almost a fairy tale version of the city. A city that, as an American, I conjured up with such names as "City of Light, City of Love." The reality is a much darker, dirtier sort of place. But in this film everything is lighted beautifully, there is no garbage piling up on the streets, and the metro stations look lovely. Even the people if not always cheerful, are quirky and cute in their unhappiness.

There are other films that achieve more in their 2 odd hours of screen time, than Amelie. Though I could site more serious, and relevant films, it would be difficult to find one so full of innocent joy.