Watch Is Paris Burning?
- Approved
- 1966
- 2 hr 53 min
-
6.8 (5,309)
Is Paris Burning? is a 1966 epic war movie set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. Directed by René Clément, it boasts of an ensemble cast of French and international actors. The movie is based on Larry Collins' and Dominique Lapierre's 1965 book of the same name that documents the liberation of Paris by the Allied Forces.
The movie opens with the German High Command in Paris discussing their strategy against the Allied Forces, who were advancing towards the city. General Dietrich von Choltitz, the Nazi commander in Paris, states that he will not hesitate to destroy the city rather than let it fall into the hands of the Allies. Adolf Hitler had ordered Choltitz to carry out the scorched-earth policy in Paris, but the General is faced with a dilemma when the Resistance manages to cut off the fuel supplies that were critical to his plans.
Meanwhile, the Allied Forces led by General Omar Bradley and General Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Forces, were plotting their next move. They devise a risky plan to infiltrate Paris and liberate the city before the Germans can destroy it. The movie then follows several subplots that intertwine the lives of various characters involved in the Resistance, the French police force, and the German army.
Jean-Paul Belmondo plays the role of a communist Resistance leader, Morland. Charles Boyer stars as Claude Lebel, the head of the French police force, who is tasked with cooperating with the Resistance and coordinating the Allied Forces' plans. Leslie Caron portrays the character of a Resistance fighter, whose brother is a POW in Germany, and she risks her own life to save him and his French comrades.
Is Paris Burning? is a stunning visual spectacle that captures the zeitgeist of the period. The movie offers a narrative that showcases how diverse groups of people came together with a common goal of defeating the enemy. It portrays the selfless acts of courage and bravery displayed by ordinary people against the backdrop of the war-torn city.
The movie is shot on location on the streets of Paris, which adds to the film's authenticity, and the recreations of the city highlight the destruction caused by war. The scenes of the Allied Forces' tanks and jeeps rolling past the famous landmarks of the city create a sense of urgency and tension, which builds up to the final showdown.
Is Paris Burning? is a movie that captures the complexity of the situation during the war. It showcases the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and how their actions impacted the outcome of the war. The cast put in brilliant performances, bringing their characters to life with depth and nuance. Their motivations and beliefs are presented realistically, highlighting the psychological toll of war on those involved.
In conclusion, Is Paris Burning? is a gripping tale of the liberation of Paris, which offers a unique perspective on the events of the war. It is a movie that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the bravery of those who fought against tyranny. The scenes of destruction and loss are juxtaposed with hope and redemption. Is Paris Burning? is a movie that deserves a place in the annals of cinematic history.
Is Paris Burning? is a 1966 war movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.