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Gigi is a 1958 musical film directed by Vincente Minnelli and based on the novella of the same name by Colette. The film tells the story of a young girl named Gigi (Leslie Caron) who is groomed by her grandmother (Hermione Gingold) and aunt (Isabel Jeans) to become a courtesan in Paris during the Belle Époque. Gigi is a free-spirited young girl who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is carefree and uninterested in the strict rules of high society. However, her grandmother and aunt have other plans for her. They believe that she has the potential to become a successful courtesan like her great-aunt Alicia (‘Thank Heaven for Little Girls’).

Gigi’s life changes when she meets a wealthy playboy named Gaston (Louis Jourdan). Gaston is a close friend of Gigi's family who has become bored with his life of luxury and constant pursuit of women. Gaston begins to take a liking to Gigi and spends more time with her, taking her to lavish events around Paris.

As Gigi and Gaston spend more time together, Gigi begins to develop feelings for him. She tells him that she loves him, but Gaston is hesitant to return her affections. He fears that he will ruin their friendship and change the dynamics of their relationship.

Throughout the film, Gigi’s grandmother and aunt continue to groom her for a life as a courtesan. They teach her how to dress, act, and speak in a way that is suitable for high society. Gigi is resistant at first, but eventually learns to play the part.

The film is a classic representation of the Belle Époque period in Paris. The costumes and sets are lavish and ornate, transporting viewers back to a time of opulence and decadence. The musical numbers are upbeat and catchy, with songs such as ‘The Night They Invented Champagne’ and ‘I Remember it Well’. The film’s most famous song, ‘Thank Heaven for Little Girls’, is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the practice of grooming young girls to become courtesans.

The film is carried by the performances of its lead actors. Leslie Caron shines as Gigi, bringing a natural charm and innocence to the character. She has a great chemistry with Louis Jourdan, who portrays Gaston as a suave yet troubled man who struggles with his feelings for Gigi. Maurice Chevalier steals the show as Honoré Lachaille, Gaston’s uncle who provides much of the film’s comic relief. His performance of ‘I’m Glad I’m Not Young Anymore’ is a standout moment.

Gigi was a commercial and critical success upon its release in 1958. The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It solidified the career of its director, Vincente Minnelli, and made a star out of Leslie Caron.

In conclusion, Gigi is a classic musical film that captures the glamour and decadence of the Belle Époque period in Paris. It tells an engaging story of love and society’s expectations, with memorable musical numbers and standout performances. It is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood musicals.

Gigi is a 1958 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 82.