Children of Paradise (aka Les Enfants du Paradis)

Memorable for its affectionate yet unsentimental tone, Children of Paradise, like many things in life, is filled with unresolved tensions and paradoxes. Described in its original American trailer as the French answer to Gone with the Wind, the film, set in early 19th century Paris, tells about the theatrical life of a charismatic courtesan and the four men who love her. Called Garance in theatre, Claire Reine is, at times, aloof, sensual and melancholic but always self-reliant. Her attitude to love, intrinsically tied to an illustrative social context, invites contemplation and reflection. The scene where the theatre mine Baptiste sees Garance and falls for her instantly and permanently with only a single rose for his reward translates into a powerful emotive imagery that lingers long in the memory. Barrault won international acclaim for his portrayal of a delicate artist tortured by romantic anxiety. Arletty is a vision embodying a dazzling mix of interest and nonchalance. We are screening the newly restored version.

Date	Time	Venue
12/3/2017 (Sun)	7:00pm	Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

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