Is Paris Burning?
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72% Critic Match

Is Paris Burning?

"Burn Paris!" was the order that had come shrieking over the phone.

7.2 / 10 1966 2h 53mPG French
WarDramaHistory

Storyline

Near the end of World War II, Gen. Dietrich von Choltitz receives orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he cannot maintain control of the city. After much contemplation Choltitz decides to ignore his orders, enraging the Germans and giving hope to various resistance factions that the city will be liberated. Choltitz, along with Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling, helps a resistance leader organize his forces.

Cast & Crew

Jean-Paul Belmondo

Jean-Paul Belmondo

Yvon Morandat

Lead
Charles Boyer

Charles Boyer

Doctor Monod

Leslie Caron

Leslie Caron

Françoise Labé

Jean-Pierre Cassel

Jean-Pierre Cassel

Lt. Henri Karcher

George Chakiris

George Chakiris

GI in Tank

Bruno Cremer

Bruno Cremer

Colonel Rol Tanguy

Claude Dauphin

Claude Dauphin

Colonel Lebel

Alain Delon

Alain Delon

Jacques Chaban-Delmas

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. René Clément's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
4.0
Every frame feels alive. Is Paris Burning? is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker