Recommendation: Watch Something That Shaped You

A nostalgic favorite is always a good idea

When I was in my early 20s, I discovered Amélie. I don’t remember how I came across it — I grew up in a small town that wasn’t big on French films — but I’m guessing it was MySpace. It was 2005, and I had discovered a small community of artists and writers writing on Blogspot and was downloading tracks from bands I found on MySpace. Until then, my world had been so small, and learning about these people who were creating cool things and listening to artists that weren’t on the radio. It was one of my first invitations to see a wider world than the sheltered version I was raised in.

I vividly recall purchasing the Amélie DVD from Borders Books (RIP) along with Beck’s album “Guero.” Both were excellent choices, and I felt very cool. I got frozen yogurt and then settled in to watch Amélie.

If you haven’t seen the film, it follows Amélie Poulain through various adventures across Paris. She finds a box of childhood toys that belonged to the former occupant of her flat and makes it her mission to return it to the owner. When she sees how delighted he is by receiving his old toys, Amélie makes it her mission to improve other people’s lives in small, yet meaningful, ways. Amélie’s journey is full of whimsy and clever wit, set against Monmartre (one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris). Ultimately, it’s a film about paying attention and noticing things — mostly what others need — and helping create joy.

When I saw it for the first time, I was barely an adult. My life had been small and sheltered. I was on what I believed was the right path: working towards a career, married (to a vile man, a story for another time), but in search of a bigger life. Amélie opened my eyes to a world I didn’t know much about; specifically, it ignited my dream of going to Paris, but on a different level, it reminded me that paying attention and trying to brighten other people’s days are two positive ways to move through the world.

Upon watching it again, 20+ years later (up until recently, it wasn’t streaming and I abandoned my DVD player years ago), I was reminded of young me, trying to figure out who I wanted to be in the world. I think she’d be proud to know that I travel, that I have an iPhone camera roll full of flowers and sunsets and small things that bring me joy, and that I try every day to show up as thoughtful, loving, and kind for those I love (and those I don’t know yet).

If you have the chance, I highly recommend watching something that shaped your world view when you were younger — let it remind you of who you were, and how you got here.

What are your nostalgic films/albums/experiences?

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