Paris 36

Every once in a while, a film comes along to remind you why you love going to the movies in the first place. Paris 36 is that film.

Directed by Christophe Barratier (The Chorus), this frothy French tale of a theater group struggling to put on a show despite the harsh realities that surround them circa 1936, is a glossy throwback to the old fashion MGM-style musical it so lovingly pays tribute to. It’s filled with romance, big dance routines and songs that you’ll be humming as you walk out of the theater even if you can’t understand a word. And as if that wasn’t enough, Paris 36 features an absolutely terrific performance by Nora Arnezeder, a leading lady you’re destined to fall in love with by the final reel. Playing the part of the not-too-innocent ingénue, Douce, Arnezeder combines a wide-eyed wonder with a killer smile to create the character of the young girl realizing her dreams of being on the stage. And she sings well, too, particularly in the sultry ballads she uses to tell her woes to the audience.