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.
Well Chris, you're well within your rights to dissent, but I have to agree with the majority - I love it.
The tramp is such an appealing character as you can't help but be on his side - he's endearing and non-threatening, he doesn't need riches, power or dashing good looks to win you over.
The ending is very touching, and the boxing scene is flawless.
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 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
kellyoung
That ending gets me every time. So brilliantly sweet.Kenneth McMahon
The boxing scene here may be my favourite ever boxing scene in any movie.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.bowdy
Well Chris, you're well within your rights to dissent, but I have to agree with the majority - I love it.The tramp is such an appealing character as you can't help but be on his side - he's endearing and non-threatening, he doesn't need riches, power or dashing good looks to win you over.
The ending is very touching, and the boxing scene is flawless.
stinger503
Kind of slow in some scenes but what a payoff in the end. Amazing.TheMajor
Did anyone mention the ending? Brilliant.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.HyliaFischer
Amazing from start to finish. The millionaire misunderstandings, the boxing scene, the romance, the ending... just brillant <3Rigters
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.
heat_
Incredible music use, especially throughout the boxing scene!roxannepena
Great and cute ending. :'-)uzbekpk
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.Admiral Softy
Truly incredible. A timeless gem that still resonates eighty years later.CrumbThumber
the boxing scene is one of the best everganjagrim
The greatest romantic comedy of all time.Showing items 1 – 15 of 33