The City Of Lost Children

1995 Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Marc Caro

Caro & Jeunet team up again to produce a fantastically-twisted fairy tale chock-full of curious characters, spectacular stunts and unforgettable visuals.

A scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they will slow his aging process. A gutsy little girl and a sentimental strongman join hearts and hands to save a small boy's dreams from a madman's master plan. They encounter a barrage of weird and wonderful characters on their way, many of whom will be familiar returns from Amelie and Delicatessen.

Reminiscent of Terry Gilliam's harrowing Brazil this film is filled with dazzling visuals, ingenious gadgets and state-of-the-art special effects. It is a journey into the darkest recesses of the human psyche conjuring up nightmarish images and juxtapositioning them next to kindness and compassion. A great mix and quite a ride that will delight and disturb in equal measures

Delicatessen

1991 Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Marc Caro

This is a unique and surreal dark comedy that has rightly received overwhelming critical acclaim.

In a post-apocalyptic society where meat is scarce, cannibalism is no longer unsavory. And when a young ex-clown takes a job in a dilapidated deli, he's completely unaware that the butcher plans to serve him to the building's bizarre tenants. But when the butcher’s nearsighted daughter falls for the clown, she'll go to absurd lengths to foil her father's plan.

This dark tale is played out in a brilliantly designed, gloriously surreal world reminiscent of the works of Terry Gilliam. Like Gilliam, Jeunet comes from an animation background, and has a fondness for extravagant visuals, absurd twists, and a sense of humor that combines sharp satire with broad slapstick and gross-out imagery. This mixture may displease the weak of stomach, but those attuned to the film's sensibility will be delighted by the obvious technical virtuosity and wicked sense of humor.

Micmacs

2009 Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Prepare to have your senses assaulted with rapid fire gags that will leave you reeling.

Bazil is the innocent victim in a drive by shooting, having already lost his father in a distant war. He is adopted by a rag tag group of misfits living in a scrap yard and solicits their help in plotting his revenge against two rival arms dealers.

Jeunet has created a true masterpiece in this film. Many of the favourite characters of Amelie and Delicatessen are here along with a host of new caricatures. There are running gags and homages to previous films, notably the cello and the saw from Delicatessen. It was a real delight to watch and the mere 101 minutes passed in seconds. This is fast paced slapstick at it very best. As with all of Jeunet's previous films the cinematography was faultless, the characterisations impeccable and the performances breath taking. This is a terrific roller coaster of a revenge movie.

Amélie

2001 Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, this magical comedy was met with overwhelming acclaim. 

A painfully shy waitress working at a Paris café makes a surprising discovery and sees her life drastically changed for the better.  From then on, she dedicates herself to helping others find happiness in the most delightfully unexpected ways!  But will she have the courage to do for herself what she has done for others?

Jeunet's cinematography sets new standards in this film, which is captivating from the title to the credit sequence. His narrative style is reminiscent of Godard's Bande a part but it is his vivid colouring techniques that make this film so memorable. Audrey Tautou plays the lead superbly and went on to carve a very impressive acting career. The film is full to the brim with interesting characters, many of which are regulars to Jeunet films.

A genuinely funny and moving french film. I find it hard to believe anyone has not yet seen this gem. If that's you then you know what you should be doing tonight.