The City of Lost Children (1995)

Lost Children (1995) is a dark, surreal fantasy set in a grim, industrial city where a mad scientist named Krank — tormented by his inability to dream — kidnaps young children and extracts their dreams to slow his accelerated aging. When Denree, the little brother of a hulking former whale hunter known only as One, is taken, One joins forces with Miette, a scrappy street orphan, to track him into the eerie heart of La Cité des Enfants Perdus. Along the way they confront Krank’s grotesque creations: cyclopean henchmen, cloned family members, and a gallery of eccentric, often dangerous characters. Watching this film is like stepping into a nightmarish fairy tale: rich, baroque production design and imaginative, sometimes disturbing visuals create a constant mix of wonder and unease. The story balances bleak, suspenseful moments with tender, emotional beats — especially the growing bond between One and Miette — and explores themes of lost innocence, exploitation, and the restorative power of dreams. Expect striking practical effects, dark humor, and a melancholic, lyrical tone; viewers who enjoy visually bold, unconventional fantasy with an emotional core will find it compelling.

Actors: Ron Perlman, Daniel Emilfork, Judith Vittet

Directors: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Runtime: 112 min

Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi

6.8 /10 73 /100 7.5 /10 7.2 /10