jwalzer5

"The Circus" was made between the classic "Gold Rush" and what is, arguably, Chaplin's masterpiece, "City Lights." It dates from 1928 and is, without doubt, one of Chaplin's great films. It opens slowly, but don't let that put you off - it quickly accelerates. And, as for the ending? Anyone moved by the ending of "City Lights" will love the ending of "The Circus:" Chaplin's character, strolling toward the horizon, leaving love and friends behind, disappears into the distance, setting up a scenario to be repeated in "Modern Times". Simple, touching, beautiful. Sandwiched between, "The Gold Rush" and "City Lights," this film is often overlooked, but it is a wonderful Chaplin classic that deserves to be more widely known.

One of the best films of 1989. Glenn Close is brilliant as the disinterested aristocrat preying on and deceiving everyone within her grasp. Stephen Frears does a remarkable job of conveying the corruption and moral decay of a France teetering on the precipice of revolution. Everything is powdered and perfumed and simultaneously decadent, and a historically-literate audience is all too aware of the blood and horror that is to follow. Yet, Close's aristocrat is somehow able to maintain the audience's sympathy. Close walks a giddy, dramatic tightrope and gives the performance of her career. Her achievement is remarkable. What could have been a tawdry costume drama in lesser hands, in the capable grip of Close and Frears, is rendered incandescent. A beautiful and meaningful film. Bravo to everyone involved.

What a wonderful film this was. Quiet, thoughtful, beautiful performances. The children and young adults were particularly fine. When it was over, I wanted to see it again. Can one pay greater tribute to a film? Emma Thompson's character was beautifully realized and the subplot of two women arguing as they prepare to attend a funeral was very well done. The Scottish "brogue" spoken by the two boys was a little hard on this American's ears at first, but I quickly adapted - and those two boys proved to be the most compelling characters in the film. This was one of those films that "sneaks" up on you. I started watching it, expecting nothing much, but was drawn into it. I highly recommend it.