The City of Lost Children
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13

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  1. ThomasS.
    Feb 28, 2009
    10
    My favorite movie of them all!
  2. GregR.
    Oct 14, 2008
    9
    Excellent, surreal film set in a dream world of bizarre characters and inventions. Definitely not a movie for everyone, but if you loved Brazil you may love this. The two aren't related, I just think the same sensibility that appreciates Brazil will probably appreciate this. The filming itself is beautiful, with rich colors and camera work. THe sets are great. The actors are all well cast for their characters.… Expand
  3. ryancarroll88
    Aug 27, 2010
    7
    It's a dense, over-bloated film with more twisted ideas than it can possibly dish out gracefully, but it's so visually enticing and filled with enough intrigue that it is definitely worth the two hours of confusion. If a comparison is needed, think of it as the French version of "Brazil," without the political overtones.
  4. crim50n
    Aug 23, 2011
    10
    This movie, wow, just wow. I absolutely love this movie. My favorite movie of all time. No kidding. The atmosphere, the actors, the story, just wow. I love movies set in different worlds that don't really classify as sci-fi or fantasy. This is one such treat. Directed and written by the same director/writer of Delicatessen and it definitely shows. If you enjoy this I'd also recommend Big Fish, Mirrormask, and Dark City. Actually scratch that, even if you don't like City of Lost Children you should watch those movies. The only drawback I could see to this movie for audiences is that it is subtitled. However that should most certainly not deter anyone from seeing it. Read a little and get enveloped in this fantastic world.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Joey O'Bryan
    78
    With its fine performances, gorgeous sets, incredible special effects, imaginative story line, beautiful score (by frequent David Lynch collaborator Angelo Badalamenti), and knockout cinematography, The City of Lost Children is very much worth seeing.
  2. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    50
    Sadly, the technical logistics seem to have impeded the dreamlike flow a movie like this requires.
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  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    I am not one of you. But I have enough of you in me to pass along the word. Far out.
    Read full review
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