The City of Lost Children

Name: The City of Lost Children
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama, Fantasy, Comedy
Released: December 15, 1995
Duration: 112 min
Rating: 73
Cast: Daniel Emilfork, Ron Perlman

1995

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 47 Ratings

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8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 47 Ratings

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The City Of Lost Children

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: December 15, 1995 | R

Starring: Daniel Emilfork, Ron Perlman

Summary: One (Perlman) seeks for his twin brother, who was kidnapped by a scientist (Emilfork) who wants to steal children's dreams in an effort to stop aging.

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro

Genre(s): Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama, Fantasy, Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 112 min

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Metascore

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Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Empire Kim Newman

The City Of Lost Children is as great a film as you thought "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was when you were five years old. Read full review

100

Kevin Thomas

The City of Lost Children is a stunningly surreal fantasy, a fable of longing and danger, of heroic deeds and bravery, set in a brilliantly realized world of its own. It is one of the most audacious, original films of the year. [22 Dec 1995]

James Berardinelli

For those who enjoy the offbeat, The City of Lost Children is worth taking the time and effort to find. Read full review

Peter Stack

Children, and adults with adventurous taste in movies, will find this among the most eye-popping big-screen experiences in ages. Read full review

Staff (Not Credited)

A vibrant, bubbling cauldron of breathtaking f/x, gross-out humor and in-your-face imagery. Read full review

Georgia Brown

City of Lost Children is so extravagantly cluttered, so packed to the portholes, it's hard to sort out, or even see, what's there. Under the overload, however, it has some perfectly lovely elements. [19 Dec 1995]

Barbara Shulgasser

I'm not really sure who would enjoy this movie. Read full review

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User Reviews

ThomasS.

Feb 28, 2009

My favorite movie of them all!

1 of 1 users found this helpful

crim50n

Aug 23, 2011

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 sameThis 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

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

GregR.

Oct 14, 2008

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 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

0 of 0 users found this helpful

RobertBrogan

Sep 28, 2015

The City of Lost Children is a must-see for lovers of the surreal, especially steam punk. The film is rated R but has PG feel to it; it is like the fantasy adventure movies of the 80s with plenty humor and a bit of the grotesque mixed in (very reminiscent of Terry Gilliam films, though theThe City of Lost Children is a must-see for lovers of the surreal, especially steam punk. The film is rated R but has PG feel to it; it is like the fantasy adventure movies of the 80s with plenty humor and a bit of the grotesque mixed in (very reminiscent of Terry Gilliam films, though the vibe is different). The plot is not the greatest but sometimes I rate the film up because it has great style and outstanding visuals.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Pluto744

Jun 22, 2021

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0 of 0 users found this helpful00

marshallonfilm_

Jan 15, 2021

"Who stole the child's dreams? Krank, in his evil schemes. But the happy tale had a sting in its tail. The genius has a fit of pique, hear the genius shriek, the "genius" is up a creek."

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

JLuis_001

Feb 5, 2022

I loved its whole atmosphere and style. The world of this film is one I would like to visit.
Needless to say, the visuals are spectacular, but that only counts as part of the whole process and in terms of its narrative, The City of Lost Children doesn't have a definitive strength that couldI loved its whole atmosphere and style. The world of this film is one I would like to visit.
Needless to say, the visuals are spectacular, but that only counts as part of the whole process and in terms of its narrative, The City of Lost Children doesn't have a definitive strength that could make it substantial. In fact there's very little that could be considered a common thread and I found that somewhat disappointing because the film's imbalance of its best characteristics and its weaknesses affect the whole package.

I love avant-garde films and films that break out of the mold, but The City of Lost Children doesn't have the attributes to position itself as an excellent choice in those genres.

Is it good? Yes. Indispensable? No.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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27	#27 Best Movie of 1995
47	#47 Most Discussed Movie of 1995
76	#76 Most Shared Movie of 1995