Is Paris Burning?

"Burn Paris!" was the order that had come shrieking over the phone.

1966 • 173 min • War · Drama · History

Join the Angel Guild Write your review Sign in to rate and review

Synopsis

Near the end of World War II, General Dietrich von Choltitz receives orders to burn down Paris if it becomes clear the Allies are going to invade, or if he's unable to maintain control of the city. After much contemplation, Choltitz ignores orders, enraging the Germans and giving hope to various resistance factions that the city will be liberated. Choltitz, alongside Swedish diplomat Raoul Nordling, helps a leader organise his forces.

Our family guide

Best from age 10

Movie Knight Score

229 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 51%
72 Audience · 228 · 49%

Near the end of WWII, German General von Choltitz must decide whether to follow orders to destroy Paris as the Allies approach. His decision sparks hope among various resistance groups for the city's liberation, altering history.

Violence & peril: 4/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 4/10

Heads up

Depicts the realities of war and occupation
Some intense moments of conflict
Characters facing grave dangers

What it models well

Courage in the face of impossible choices
The importance of resistance and defiance
Protecting cultural heritage and life

Talk about it after

The human cost of war and occupation
The power of individual moral choices
Different forms of resistance
The significance of historical events

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Is Paris Burning?. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

Country

Stream

Oldflix

Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.

Top billed cast

Director: René Clément • Crew: Gore Vidal, Francis Ford Coppola

Trailers & clips

Is Paris Burning? (1966) Original Trailer [HD]

paris brûle t-il (is paris burning) 1966.avi

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
With the Allies rapidly approaching Paris, the general in charge of the city is issued with orders by his Führer to prepare plans to destroy the city. Fortunately, von Choltitz (Gert Fröbe) is not convinced that in the face of imminent defeat, this is the right thing to do - so he obeys, but in a rather lacklustre and half-hearted fashion.…
CinemaSerf, TMDB Community