If any movie can be characterized as beautiful, then this is the movie. Not only does this movie tell a gripping story, it does so with a style that keeps the audience transfixed. This movie is a great example of expressionist art as the director uses the sets and cinematography to create a mood of suspense that permeates throughout the entire movie. Many of the scenes are spectacular and have become iconic. This movie is definitely a classic.
There's a saying: "They don't make 'em like that anymore." This saying is especially true for the 1939 classic, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." What makes this movie so great is 1. the story, 2. the screenplay, and 3. the acting. Surprising is Edmund O'Brien's excellent portrayal of the people's poet, Gringoire. But of course the star of the movie is Charles Laughton, whose portrayal of the poor and hapless Quasimodo, who is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Esmeralda, transforms this movie from an interesting period piece into a really powerful story. For this movie is truly dramatic - in its portrayal of the power of the Church in medieval society; its portrayal of the people themselves, who are angry, restless, and desperate; and its portrayal of an unfortunate man, Quasimodo, an outcast, who transcends his place in society to defend the woman he loves, without conditions, and protect the Church and in the process becomes a hero. By the way, Maureen O'Hara's portrayal of the gypsy girl Esmeralda is so strong and evocative that one cannot help but empathize with the character who is the very personification of victimization. If you want to watch a classic movie, then this is the right movie for you.
There's a saying: "They don't make 'em like that anymore." This saying is especially true for the 1939 classic, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." What makes this movie so great is 1. the story, 2. the screenplay, and 3. the acting. Surprising is Edmund O'Brien's excellent portrayal of the people's poet, Gringoire. But of course the star of the movie is Charles Laughton, whose portrayal of the poor and hapless Quasimodo, who is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Esmeralda, transforms this movie from an interesting period piece into a really powerful story. For this movie is truly dramatic - in its portrayal of the power of the Church in medieval society; its portrayal of the people themselves, who are angry, restless, and desperate; and its portrayal of an unfortunate man, Quasimodo, an outcast, who transcends his place in society to defend the woman he loves, without conditions, and protect the Church and in the process becomes a hero. By the way, Maureen O'Hara's portrayal of the gypsy girl Esmeralda is so strong and evocative that one cannot help but empathize with the character who is the very personification of victimization. If you want to watch a classic movie, then this is the right movie for you.