2025's Main Animated Hidden Gem Is This Charming Slice-Of-Life Debut With 98% on RT
This rare gem proves that the greatest miracles are often found in the most ordinary of places.
Among the high-profile animated releases of 2025 is a quiet yet incredibly poignant film. It's the debut project of directors Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han – Little Amélie or the Character of Rain.
The movie doesn't attempt to impress with spectacle or action. Instead, it offers a unique, pure journey into the world of a three-year-old girl for whom every moment of life is filled with magic and discovery.
What Is 'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain' About?
Amélie, the daughter of a Belgian diplomat, lives in Japan in the late 1960s. For a long time, she has been inactive, and doctors believe she is developing too slowly.
One day, however, the girl begins to consciously perceive the world, firmly convinced that she is God. However, her desire to share her thoughts is hindered by her inability to speak.
The movie depicts several months of her life during which every phenomenon – be it a raindrop, a blooming cherry blossom, or an ordinary glass jar – becomes an object of her admiration and philosophical reflection.
It Is a Modest but Brilliant Debut That Talks About Many Important Things at Once
This is a story about the development of consciousness, the initial experience of cultural differences, and the perception of the world through the lens of childhood innocence.
The movie masterfully balances light and darkness. Alongside scenes of delight, such as the first swim in the sea, are conversations about bombings as the nanny explains the cruelty of the world through metaphors of rice and vegetables.
It is about how complex concepts such as love, loss, memory, and forgiveness are formed in the fragile perception of childhood.
'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain' Is a Slice-Of-Life Animation That Won't Leave You Bored
Fans of leisurely stories will truly enjoy Little Amélie. The 77-minute animation is not built on plot twists, but rather on subtle observations of Amélie's emotions and feelings.
It's a prime example of the slice-of-life genre, in which the main event is the experience of the moment itself. Viewers see the world through Amélie's eyes, where a vacuum cleaner can seem like a deity and an empty bottle can hold entire memories.
The animation style emphasizes this poetic quality – soft, watercolor backgrounds, expressive character designs, and attention to detail create a hypnotic, calming atmosphere.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain'?
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Little Amélie or the Character of Rain has 98% from critics and 91% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.6/10.
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On Letterboxd, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain scored 4.1/5.0.
Where to Watch 'Little Amélie or the Character of Rain'?
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
