Watch Dilili in Paris

Dilili in Paris is a French animated adventure film that takes the audience on a journey through early 20th Century Paris, following the adventures of Dilili, a young girl from New Caledonia. Directed by Michel Ocelot, the film uses a mix of hand-drawn animation and computer-generated imagery to create a unique and visually stunning world that captures the essence of Belle Epoque Paris.

The story begins with Dilili arriving in Paris, where she quickly meets Orel, a young delivery boy who becomes her guide and friend. Together, they explore the city and encounter a range of fascinating characters, from famous artists and writers to everyday Parisians going about their lives.

As they explore the city, Dilili and Orel become embroiled in a mystery involving a series of kidnappings of young girls from various ethnic backgrounds. Dilili, with her sharp mind and courage, sets out to unravel the mystery and stop the kidnappers from striking again.

The film does an excellent job of showcasing the cultural richness of Paris at the time, emphasizing the city's love of art, fashion, and music. From the stunning architecture to the bustling street markets, the film highlights the beauty of Paris at a time when it was the cultural capital of the world.

The characters in Dilili in Paris are vibrant and engaging, with Dilili herself being a standout. As a young girl from New Caledonia, she is initially seen as exotic and unusual by those around her, but she quickly proves herself to be intelligent, resourceful, and fearless. The film's other characters are equally compelling, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

One of the film's strengths is its use of historical figures as characters in the story. Dilili and Orel cross paths with the likes of Marie Curie, Gustave Eiffel, and even Jules Verne, who all play a role in the ongoing mystery. Not only does this add an extra layer of interest for history buffs, but it also contributes to the film's overall charm and whimsy.

The animation in Dilili in Paris is both beautiful and innovative. The hand-drawn animation gives the film a classic feel, while the use of computer-generated imagery allows for some breathtaking visual sequences, such as a scene in which Dilili rides in a hot air balloon over Paris at sunset.

The film also features some lovely music, with the soundtrack incorporating elements of traditional Parisian music alongside original compositions. The sound design is also exceptional, with scenes in crowded markets and busy streets realistically conveying the hustle and bustle of the city.

One minor criticism of the film is that it occasionally veers too heavily into exposition. While the mystery at the heart of the story is compelling, there are moments when characters explain the plot and their motivations in great detail, which can sometimes bog down the pacing.

Overall, Dilili in Paris is a delightful and charming film that will appeal to both children and adults. It captures the magic and wonder of early 20th Century Paris while telling a compelling mystery story with engaging characters. The animation is beautiful and the music is lovely, making for a sensory experience that will transport viewers to another time and place.

Dilili in Paris is a 2018 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 37.