Les Enfants du Paradis

The choreographer brings the Paris of yesteryear back to life: the city of the Boulevard du Crime from the first half of the 19th century, with its artists, theaters, and cabarets. In a staging reminiscent of a movie set, the mime Baptiste bathes in his memories, tell about his encounter with Garance, his impossible love for a marvelous yet unattainable woman, the magical universe of the stage, life behind the scenes, and the tenuous line performers maintain between reality and illusion. Marc-Oliver Dupin's original score provides the musical backdrop for a choreography alternating between larger ensemble numbers and intimate love duets.

Directed by François Roussillon, Les Enfants du Paradis leans on a strong ensemble — Isabelle Ciaravola, Mathieu Ganio, Alessio Carbone — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about romance titles of 2008.