Producer Claudie Ossard, who worked on "Amelie"

A new talent joins the ranks of distinctive directors from animation backgrounds like Tim Burton, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Terry Gilliam. Sylvain Chomet, nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for "The Triplets of Belleville" (2002) and "The Illusionist" (2010), is finally releasing his first live-action feature film.

Studio Ghibli released the Japanese DVD versions of Chomet's previous two films, and his unique worldview has been highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad. His first foray into live-action was the short film "Tour Eiffel" in the omnibus film "Paris, je t'aime" (2006). The producer for that project was Claudie Ossard, who also produced "Amelie." Inspired by this collaboration, Ossard, who was captivated by Chomet's talent, is producing this film as well.



For this film, Chomet drew inspiration from the song "Attila Marcel" used in the soundtrack of "The Triplets of Belleville," while also weaving in elements of French literary master Marcel Proust's masterpiece "In Search of Lost Time" into the story.

Guillaume Gouix delivers a powerfully expressive performance as Paul, a character who does not speak. In addition to the unique characters portrayed by seasoned actors from the French film industry, the film's direction, which integrates music and visuals into a burlesque spectacle, including musicals and dances set within the protagonist's memories and the performances of a mysterious "frog orchestra," is also noteworthy.

Paul's memories are awakened upon meeting the enigmatic Madame

Paul lost his parents in childhood and grew up unable to speak due to the shock. Raised by his aunts, who run a dance studio, to become the world's greatest pianist, Paul lived a lonely life without friends.

One day, Paul meets Madame Proust, an enigmatic woman living in the same apartment building. The herbal tea she brews has the mysterious power to awaken Paul's forgotten memories. The past he thought was lost begins to stir the tightly closed heart of Paul, and his life gradually begins to change.

This film, with its colorful, poignant, and subtly surreal wit, exudes the unique esprit of French cinema, reminiscent of films like "Amelie." It is a work that allows you to fully experience the talent of director Chomet, who is poised to become a leading figure in French cinema.




The Little Prince
Opening Saturday, August 2nd, at Cinema Rise, Cine Libre Ikebukuro, and other theaters nationwide.
Director & Screenplay | Sylvain Chomet
Starring | Guillaume Gouix, Anne Le Ny, Bernadette Lafont, Hélène Vincent, Louis Legrand, Fanny Touron
Distribution | Transformer
2013 | France | 106 minutes
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© 2013 EUROWIDE FILM PRODUCTION-PATHE PRODUCTION FRANCE 3 CINEMA-APPALOOSA DEVELOPPEMENT