Is Paris Burning?
Seen it?1966 | 173 min | War, Drama, History
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (75% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Longest Day or A Bridge Too Far, start here.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 53 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- It's long: 2 hr 53 min.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1966: an older pace and style.
Near the end of World War II, General Dietrich von Choltitz receives orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he's unable to maintain control of the city. After much contemplation, Choltitz ignores orders, enraging the Germans and giving hope to various resistance factions that the city will be liberated. Choltitz, alongside Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling, helps a leader organise his forces.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
75% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$37 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 43K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by René Clément
- Jean-Paul BelmondoYvon Morandat
- Charles BoyerDoctor Monod
- Leslie CaronFrançoise Labé
- Jean-Pierre CasselLt. Henri Karcher
- George ChakirisGI in Tank
- Bruno CremerColonel Rol Tanguy
- Claude DauphinColonel Lebel
- Alain DelonJacques Chaban-Delmas
- Kirk DouglasGeneral Patton
- Pierre DuxCerat - Alexandre Parodi