Watch The City of Lost Children

In the dark and surreal French fantasy movie of 1995, The City of Lost Children, directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, viewers are taken on a journey into the mysterious and dream-like world of a mad scientist who is stealing children's dreams to keep himself young. The movie introduces Ron Perlman, better known as Hellboy, as One, a troubled carnival strongman with a heart of gold who embarks on a perilous quest to save his adopted little brother, kidnapped by the evil genius.

Set in a dystopian and industrial harbor city, the film is a visually stunning masterpiece, showcasing a gothic and fantastical world inhabited by eccentric and grotesque characters, steampunk machines, and surreal locations. The incredible production design and innovative special effects blend together to create a dark and immersive atmosphere that perfectly matches the haunting and offbeat story.

The central figure of the movie, Krank, is a brilliant but deranged scientist with a peculiar condition. Unable to dream, he is consumed by the obsession to find a cure for his ailment, which has resulted in a prematurely aging body and a twisted and deformed appearance. Krank's solution is to abduct children from the city, transport them to his underwater lair in a giant machine, and use a complex apparatus to extract their dreams. But the process is flawed, and the dreams turn out to be tortured and nightmarish, causing Krank's anguish to grow stronger.

Daniel Emilfork plays the role of Krank with remarkable skill, bringing to life a character both menacing and pitiful, with an unsettling charm that makes it hard not to feel some sympathy for his plight. He is aided by his loyal group of henchmen, the Cyclops, who are also the only source of warmth and humanity in his otherwise bleak existence. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Perlman's One is a perfectly cast anti-hero, tough on the outside but vulnerable and kindhearted on the inside. His brute strength and unwavering determination are the perfect assets in his quest, but his resourcefulness and cunning also come in handy, making for an entertaining and action-packed journey.

One also joins forces with the little girl Miette, played by Judith Vittet, who is part of a gang of street urchins that pickpocket and scavenge for a living. Miette is the only one who knows the location of Krank's lair, and the trio teams up to infiltrate it and save the children, including One's little brother, before it's too late. Judith delivers a remarkable performance as a spunky, streetwise, and fearless girl who doesn't shy away from danger, displaying a surprising maturity and strength for a child actor.

The City of Lost Children features some of the most stunning and memorable visuals in cinema history, showcasing the directors' unique vision and their skill in creating a fully realized and cohesive world. The design of Krank's lair alone is a marvel of imagination and creativity, with the giant machines, submerged corridors, and sinister laboratories combining to form a brooding and eerie environment. The use of color, lighting, and camera angles is also remarkable, with every shot looking like a vibrant and provocative painting.

The movie also has a well-crafted score by Angelo Badalamenti, known for his work on Twin Peaks, that adds another layer of richness to the experience. The score alternates between melancholic melodies and playful tunes, with the use of the accordion and haunting choral arrangements lending an otherworldly and nostalgic feel to the proceedings.

Overall, The City of Lost Children is an unforgettable work of art that defies easy categorization, blending elements of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and noir into a unique and mesmerizing whole. The movie is both nightmarish and enchanting, disturbing and beautiful, and it stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. With its unforgettable visuals, memorable performances, and gripping narrative, this movie deserves a place in the pantheon of classic cinema.

The City of Lost Children is a 1997 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 73.