Pjtaylor-96-138044
This silent cinema staple doesn't quite have the heart of 'The Kid (1921)' or anything quite as brilliantly entertaining as the final slapstick set-piece from 'The Gold Rush (1925)', but it does have its lion's share of memorably mute moments proving that Chaplin really is the king of this kind of comedy. 'City Lights (1931)' is enjoyable throughout and tells its story deftly, but there are several slow segments - perhaps somewhat expected from a film of this age but not excused, considering that the era and talent have produced pieces superior in this regard - ultimately making this a fun watch which often represents uproarious cinematic entertainment in its purest form but isn't the best of the bunch. 6/10
mrushkoski
Charlie Chaplin's 1931 film is considered one of the most iconic movies of the twentieth century (number 11 on American Film Institutes list of best American movies ever made). The "talkie" movement started in 1928 and older silent movies became almost obsolete, City Lights proved that to be wrong. The way sound is used to amplify movement (even something as simple as walking down stairs) or a situation creates a type of magnificence that only Chaplin can portray. It was pre-code and yet was never risky, even during Chaplin's boxing match they kept it relatively clean.
doranbriscoe
The timeless charm that Charlie Chaplin personifies through this film is at its greatest in this, his most graceful work of art. The genuine wit and humor mastered over the years is of course pervasive, but it ultimately plays second fiddle to the delicate eloquence of one of the most powerful love stories to ever grace the silver screen. This is the masterpiece Chaplin had been working towards his entire career, and it is executed incomparably.It is a peculiar thing to consider the title of the film, as the city and its lights don't seem to be an overtly prominent part of the picture. However, upon closer inspection, it truly is all about the city (society and its individuals) and its lights in a figurative sense, as lights in this film can very much refer to the beacons of hope that the individual characters serve as to each other. While the three main characters are just struggling to make it by in this world- to find purpose, to succeed- their own sense of worth in the eyes of society goes unmatched by the light they bring to those who need it.The millionaire's split personality as a suicidal drunkard (a social outcast) serves as the enlightened version of his character because in this state he is honest and mindful of those around him regardless of their status. His sober self, then, although admirable by society's standards, goes to show just how "blind" people are to the reality of how we should treat each other. The blind Flower Girl, of course, is incidentally only blind to the true nature of the Tramp when she can physically see. When she learns the truth, the "light" goes on for her ("Yes, I can see now"), and she can go back to seeing the true nature of an individual rather than their outward appearance. Thirdly, the Tramp is simply a bum meandering through life, until he finds a purpose. Naturally, it takes the city's lowest of the low- The Tramp- to be enlightened enough to see past a handicap and realize the true beauty of the Flower Girl, who is overlooked by the rest of society. As he becomes enlightened to the vitality of living selflessly, the Tramp receives the beacon of hope in return, grasping his dreams for love and a better way of life. Although very different individually, as these characters can see beyond society's little boxes they are each little pillars of light to illuminate the way for each other (something every city could use a lot more of). The Tramp and the Flower Girl, having their eyes opened and having found each other, display one of the most fulfilling of on-screen romances, for as once they were struggling through life individually, they have discovered more than they could ever hope and dream, together. City Lights is a love story of two outcasts, loners; until we find our light, aren't we all?
sophieberger
One of my favorites, City of Lights, was a Charlie Chaplin that came out in 1933. Charlie Chaplin plays a broke man who wonders the street with little purpose. That is until he meets a poor blind girl who sells flower. Charlie is immediately mesmerized by the girl and was willing to do anything for her. In order to save her from a large debt, he faces challenges to earn money and gives up a life for himself to make her happy. The entire film not only was full of laughs but also moments of tears. With a heart- warming ending, I highly recommend Charlie Chaplin's City of Lights.
