A quintessential Charlie Chaplin, City Lights is one of the greatest films ever made and which can make you laugh and break your heart at the same time. It contains all elements of slapstick, pathos, the pantomime, the effortless physical coordination, the melodrama, the bawdiness and the grace.

Little Tram, the character played by Chaplin has been one of the most recognizable American icons, and at one time the most famous image on earth. This film has surprisingly few dialogue cards and the character has expressed him beautifully without words, as the Tramp was more or less mime with his body language serving as speech. Although sometimes he is seen to speak but he could have existed comfortably in a silent world.  And this is what makes his relationship with the flower girl so poignant, because the blind girl does not judge his appearance.

Chaplin at his best, city lights is primarily a comedy. The movie is priced together with a series of shots with several common characters. It's an episodic endeavor, with a host of classic comic vignettes. When one recalls its humor it is difficult to think of City Lights as a silent film and is considered more of a spry narrative brought to life by wonderful performances and talented direction. Yet the silence in city lights is a necessary part of its charm and power. Here, the characters must emote their feelings without voice, and it results in some astounding moments. It's an altogether wonderful gem, and one of the five best films the silent era has to offer.