The City of Lost Children
The City of Lost Children

Movie spotlight

The City of Lost Children

1995
Movie
112 min
French

A scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes76%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users84%
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Marc CaroGenres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Crime

Plot Summary

In a surreal, dark, and steampunk-inspired world, a former diver named One searches for his kidnapped adopted brother. His quest leads him to the enigmatic scientist Krank, who lives in a desolate lighthouse and dreams up ways to steal dreams from children to halt his own aging process. Along the way, One teams up with a young orphan named Miette, and together they navigate the dangerous and bizarre underworld of the titular city.

Critical Reception

The City of Lost Children was met with critical acclaim for its stunning visuals, unique atmosphere, and imaginative storytelling, though some found its narrative somewhat convoluted. It has since become a cult classic, celebrated for its distinct artistic vision.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its breathtaking and unique visual design.

  • Admired for its ambitious and imaginative storytelling.

  • Noted for its dark, fairytale-like atmosphere and performances.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's highly original and visually striking aesthetic, calling it a 'masterpiece of imagination.' Many appreciated the dark, dreamlike quality and the compelling performances, though a few found the plot a bit disjointed.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival; won Best Foreign Film at the 1996 Fantasporto awards.

Fun Fact

The distinctive mechanical eye patch worn by the character Clapet was actually made from an old dentist's drill head.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

The basic premiss of this film is really quite simple. "Krank" (Daniel Emilfork) is super-bright, slightly deranged and lonely. He lives on a remote oil rig with only whom he can manufacture for companionship. His biggest problem is that he...

Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A visual spectacle with an irritating story that doesn't justify the time spent watching the film.** I loved – like almost everyone else – “Amelie” and I didn't particularly like “Delicatessen”. However, I didn't give up on Jean Pierre...

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