City Lights (1931) - 5/5
This movie is an old classic, and true to form knocks it out of the park. In parts it’s a slapstick extravaganza, but on the whole it’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and heartbreaking. There’s a purity to silent films that here is used to great effect, using the audience’s loss of one sense and lack of agency to empathize with the heroine. It has antiquated sensibilities and pacing, but it comes across as sincere and meaningful ninety years later.
Closest comparison: It’s like The Pursuit of Happyness by way of Modern Times.
Setting: RomCom
Plot: Rags to Riches
Tone: Comedy/Drama