Though Hollywood had moved on to talkies by the 1930s, Chaplin kept the silent form alive with such classics as City Lights, which integrated sound effects, fun scores (written by Chaplin), and even a mockery of bad voice recordings (as in the first scene) to create as rich an experience as any produced with dialogue. There's a lot going on in City Lights - a despondent drunk millionaire who forgets the Tramp when he's sober, a monument inauguration, lunch breaks with street sweepers, a loopy boxing match, etc. - and it'd be easy to think they were all loosely connected set pieces as was the case for many raucous comedies of the day (the Marx Brothers', for example). But no, the narrative actually flows from a sweet romance between the Tramp and a blind girl, for whom Charlie would do anything, up to and including getting into all that trouble. If there's a theme to these misadventures, it's that no good deed goes unpunished. Is there a reward at the very end, though? For movie lovers, there certainly is.
I think it is the brilliance of Chaplin making this movie work. It is based on such a simple idea, so simple that it is essential. And sharing that experience with us is not that simple! I don't think the ending is cute, or lovely, but it is brilliant, it doesn't give an answer for the dilemma and therefore gives it to us. Would we love Chaplin if we see him as he really is?
While I absolutely LOVED the boxing scene (the build-up, choreography, and comedic timing is simply perfect) and the ending, the rest of the film is a bit hit-or-miss. At the end of the day, I just don't find Chaplin as laugh-out-loud funny as Keaton. Still unquestionably a classic, though.
I'm spoiled with today's comedies, so I didn't find this HILARIOUS. However, the whole film is packed with lightly comical scenes. It's still enjoyable to watch. To me, it's a good sign when the movie feels shorter than it actually is. This was one of those films.
This movie was funny when it was made, but that does not mean it is right now, this movie is not funnier than 99% of today's comedies, this is the favourite movie of Emma Stone
3.5/5
I don't know what I was expecting, but this was fantastic! How funny is it when Chaplin and his drunk friend are in the restaurant and they want to fight everyone! This really is timeless comedy, and so sweet.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 33
Siskoid
Though Hollywood had moved on to talkies by the 1930s, Chaplin kept the silent form alive with such classics as City Lights, which integrated sound effects, fun scores (written by Chaplin), and even a mockery of bad voice recordings (as in the first scene) to create as rich an experience as any produced with dialogue. There's a lot going on in City Lights - a despondent drunk millionaire who forgets the Tramp when he's sober, a monument inauguration, lunch breaks with street sweepers, a loopy boxing match, etc. - and it'd be easy to think they were all loosely connected set pieces as was the case for many raucous comedies of the day (the Marx Brothers', for example). But no, the narrative actually flows from a sweet romance between the Tramp and a blind girl, for whom Charlie would do anything, up to and including getting into all that trouble. If there's a theme to these misadventures, it's that no good deed goes unpunished. Is there a reward at the very end, though? For movie lovers, there certainly is.heat_
Incredible music use, especially throughout the boxing scene!Lumen
I think it is the brilliance of Chaplin making this movie work. It is based on such a simple idea, so simple that it is essential. And sharing that experience with us is not that simple! I don't think the ending is cute, or lovely, but it is brilliant, it doesn't give an answer for the dilemma and therefore gives it to us. Would we love Chaplin if we see him as he really is?boomdiddly
While I absolutely LOVED the boxing scene (the build-up, choreography, and comedic timing is simply perfect) and the ending, the rest of the film is a bit hit-or-miss. At the end of the day, I just don't find Chaplin as laugh-out-loud funny as Keaton. Still unquestionably a classic, though.HyliaFischer
Amazing from start to finish. The millionaire misunderstandings, the boxing scene, the romance, the ending... just brillant <3Kenneth McMahon
The boxing scene here may be my favourite ever boxing scene in any movie.stinger503
Kind of slow in some scenes but what a payoff in the end. Amazing.briafly27
I'm spoiled with today's comedies, so I didn't find this HILARIOUS. However, the whole film is packed with lightly comical scenes. It's still enjoyable to watch. To me, it's a good sign when the movie feels shorter than it actually is. This was one of those films.roxannepena
Great and cute ending. :'-)Joker of Gotham
This movie was funny when it was made, but that does not mean it is right now, this movie is not funnier than 99% of today's comedies, this is the favourite movie of Emma Stone3.5/5
Rigters
This film is funnier than 99% of the comedys we see today. There are some great scenes like the boxing and of course the amazing end.Chaplin 4ever.
thestaulker
You'll see :Duzbekpk
I don't know what I was expecting, but this was fantastic! How funny is it when Chaplin and his drunk friend are in the restaurant and they want to fight everyone! This really is timeless comedy, and so sweet.I-M-Pulsive
Too old for my likings. Watch it at 2times speed. And still didn't like it.Paulorsadv
Over sweet than Gold Rush, but brilliant.Showing items 1 – 15 of 33