It's genuinely in my top 5....one of the most charmful and magical movies ever.
The charm comes from the lead character. Audrey Tautou's performance is one of those....
moments. If a performance can be called such. No simp/c00n....
....but you just really fall in love with her character as the film progresses. It's funny, this film seems to sort of have the reputation as being the ideal version of that "magical pixie chick" thing that Zooey Deschanel is known for...but there is actually a bit of mischief, bordering on nastiness. It's not saccharine.
The thing that really takes it to the next level in my eyes is the fantastical elements. It's not a fantasy film really, but there are some magical elements to it. Without them, it would probably just be a "fun rom com" Ever seen
City of Lost Children? It's directed by the same guy (Who also did Alien Resurrection....
)
Just peep it. I can't say that it will definitely resonate with you the same way it does me or your friend. It came out in 2001 and while it's definitely timeless, there may also be a bit of that "you had to be there" element.