City Lights Review: Chaplin's Most Tender Comedy
9.5/10 — City Lights (1931)
Pros
- Peerless comic timing
- Moving romance
- Unforgettable ending
Cons
- Silent format won't suit everyone
The Tramp falls for a blind flower seller who mistakes him for a millionaire, and tries to raise money for an operation to restore her sight. Chaplin made it years into the sound era, and it’s still silent.
What works
The comedy set pieces, including the boxing match, are perfectly choreographed, and the relationship between the Tramp and the flower girl is touching. Chaplin balances slapstick with real feeling, and the ending is devastatingly effective.
Where it falters
The silent format and the stage-like sets may feel remote to some viewers, and some of the physical gags are repetitive.
Verdict
A joyful, moving comedy with an ending that has few equals.
