Lili (1953)

Memorable, crazy movie

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

Spoilers. Observations. Opinions. Charming film. The haughty little French girl loved by two men in An American in Paris is now an orphan, waif, naive and homeless. Leslie Caron plays the innocent well, here. She pulls it off. She also pulls off a fantasy sequence in which she is more adult such as wearing the slinky red dress. Another more adult fantasy sequence had her dressed in a short red dress in which she served imaginary food and drinks to imaginary bistro clientele. It was common for 1953 era women to aspire to be "waitresses". That sexist term had been replaced by "server". Today, many more women are educated to acquire professional careers, not to schlep hash and suds in a saloon. There were too many pink dress waitresses in this film. Paul, the former dancer, was injured "in the war". I assume that that meant World War Two, which ended in 1945 -- eight years before this 1953 story took place. War was still being mentioned in 1950s films. France was greatly damaged in that war. People were devastated. Here, people make the best things and decide to attend a carnival and enjoy themselves. This fun show is truly a ray of sunshine in their formerly dreary lives. The puppets are adorable, and are exciting to watch when they come to life in the fantasy "walk down the yellow brick road" dance scene near the end. Caron is a great dancer, but I don't see enough of that here. In the down the road fantasy, Paul (Ferrer) dances very well and quite sensually. He is no longer the angry man with the limp. I am a degreed historian, actress, singer, dancer, film critic and movie reviewer.

I see that several reviewers have used the word, "Haunting," in describing this film, as did I. If you allow yourself, "Lili" will speak to you on many, many levels, several you won't recognize right away, and this makes it haunting. There's always something "else" going on that's just beneath the surface. This makes for very rich and profound entertainment. A fairy tale? Perhaps, that too. Consider the topics touched on: alcoholism, rape, infidelity, suicide... this is serious entertainment, couched in sweetness and light. Visually, Lili is a fascinating film to watch. The color, although vivid, is not the overwhelming and oppressive color of an MGM 40's musical which only interferes with the talent. Here the viewer feels as if they are reading an old children's book filled with lovely illustrations.There is multi-layered meaning one would not expect in such a "light" story. But it is intelligent, has depth and is profound, not the least reason is the presence and use of puppets. SPOILERS ALERT! This is done beautifully, as they represent, not only the puppeteers' inner life but the mystical quality of the puppets themselves. The dance between Caron and the puppets "come to life" near the end is magical and moving for precisely these reasons. All the actors are perfectly cast. Do not hesitate to let yourself really enjoy this film fully, completely and deeply. Let your imagination fly. It will be worth it and you'll be surprised what you come up with and don't be surprised if you shed a tear when it's over. And that song! Bravo!

Didn't see Lili until fairly recently, but it is a film so irresistibly charming and well-done that it was so easy to fall under its spell.Lili looks fabulous, the fantasy ballet sequence and Caron's scene with Zsa Zsa Gabor is shot in richly beautiful Technicolor, the puppets still look great- plus they manage to bring a slight creepiness too- and the MGM French village set is made superb use of. The Oscar-winning music score by Bronislau Kaper has plenty of appropriate whimsy, without falling into sugary sweet territory, and rousing lushness, while the song Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo lilts beautifully and accompanies one of the most memorable scenes in the film, in which Caron is seen singing along with the puppets, even more impressively.The script is both witty and touching, handling a potentially difficult subject inspiringly and only in Stand by Me has coming of age been portrayed more honestly in film. The story is slight but never dull or too thin; it has the right amount of sweetness, has such a poignant charm and brings a big smile on viewers' faces afterwards. The Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo and fantasy ballet scenes are the most memorable, but youngsters surely cannot fail to delight in Jean-Pierre Aumont's dazzling magic tricks. Talented Charles Walters directs expertly, and even features in the fantasy ballet.In terms of the performances, there are no qualms here either. Leslie Caron positively enchants here, while Mel Ferrer brilliantly brings a sympathetic edge to an at times dark role, particularly telling when with the puppets. Zsa Zsa Gabor is incandescently classy, and Jean-Pierre Aumont makes his magic tricks memorable and children and adults alike will love them.All in all, irresistibly charming and has quickly become a personal favourite. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A lovely story that is not trite, and of course Leslie Caron, who I admit I am partial to, is excellent here.As Lili, a disaffected orphan struggling in sadness, to find some kind of life. Mel Ferrer as a mysterious puppeteer who falls in love with her from behind the scenes. The story has a dark, sad quality to it, which is why it stands out.On TCM, as interviewed with Robert Osborne, Caron mentioned that the studio felt this film would "ruin her career". It is a lost gem which is well worth viewing, and also good for children who want to "run away to the circus/ join show business. The theme is very well manifested in this film.Leslie Caron is soulful and sad. Always a wonderful actress to watch, and better in this than some of the bigger budget musicals. Wish she would do more film these days as well. 10/10.