A simple film that is made very likeable due to Ophüls' delightful direction and the warmth of its characters.

#396

375

Again, Ophuls proves himself a master at camera movement, with astonishing tracking shots, crane shots, pans and zooms and impeccable lighting and set design. I actually found the bookend stories far more interesting, perhaps because their relatively short length prohibited them from wearing out their welcome. The middle story had some amusing moments but there just wasn't much meat there. As befits the title, the movie is pleasant, just not all that mind-blowing except for the cinematography.

# 416

An amusing enjoyable film in three parts, examining different aspects of lustful pleasure. While the film's structure in connecting the three stories is rather weak it does work and the stories hold up on their own as interesting short films. They are related and contrasting the depiction of pleasure in each one makes for some interesting viewing. The camera work and visual design of the film is stunning.

Stunning, STUNNING tracking shots with superb art direction to aid them. I thoroughly enjoyed (Maybe even loved) this film, though I couldn't help but feel the last segment was nearly as strong as the first two.

A delightful adaptation, absorbing and luscious as life itself. The music, narration and dialogue will warm up your heart and sweeten your day. While the last part was the weakest of the three IMO, it didn't diminish the strength of the film. "Le Plaisir" is one of those enjoyable films where you walk away thinking: "they just don't make 'em like they used to".

339

Stylish but rather subdued compendium, with no highlights to stay in the memory.

Three good, bittersweet stories adapted from Guy de Maupassant, directed by Max Ophüls with such majesty I couldn't possibly praise him enough. From the astoundingly fluid cinematography, and Oscar-nominated art direction, to the realistic and grabbing dramaturgy, this is a cinematic accomplishment that should not be missed.

A very nice piece of fluff - little dramatic weight here, but it's nevertheless a lot of fun. Three stories (the middle story much longer than the bookends) all related in some way to the film's title (Pleasure) and its rewards and consequences. As you'd expect from Ophuls, it's a gorgeous film to look at - beautifully lit, masterfully shot, et cetera.