Review of Charade (1963) by Shai L — 16 Apr 2012

Why don't they make movies like this any more? This film is absolutely overflowing with charm and tells a great story. I could go on for hours about all the things I love about it, but I'm going to try and narrow it down. The blending of genres is masterfully accomplished here. It is a romantic movie, a hilarious comedy, and a murder mystery. Yet they all flow so perfectly with one another. Then they set it all in one of the most beautiful cities in the world to add amazing scenery.

Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn are an amazing duo. The way they mix playful flirting into every conversation is so endearing. I miss the days when you could find 2 characters flirtatious without being crass or overly sexual in their conduct. The humor just glides right off their tongues to the point where I find myself laughing out loud frequently and otherwise just smiling at the amazing wit. Obviously some of that credit must go to the great script writers who managed to have that quantity of comedy in between all the thrilling drama.

The story is intricately crafted so that it keeps you guessing all the way to the end. It seems that so many movies nowadays are focused on a big startling surprise at the end, but they don't focus enough on the script that gets them there. This is a great one that has twists and turns all along the way, and even if you guess the ending early the way it unfolds is still exciting. Without question Charade is one of my favorite movies of all time, if only they made movies like this nowadays.