Overview
A charming tale of friendship and unexpected romance unfolds in the heart of Paris.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- elegant
- playful
- classic movie night
- romantic evening
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an elegant, charming, lyrically crafted musical distinguished by strong performances, sophisticated atmosphere, and Vincente Minnelli’s restraint.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Gigi is trained by her grandmother and aunt to become a wealthy man's mistress, while the film observes Parisian upper-class conventions with irony.
The developing relationship between Gigi and Gaston is expressed through recurring musical numbers and lyrical romantic exchanges.
The film presents turn-of-the-century Paris through ornate domestic spaces, jewelry, costumes, and refined aristocratic environments.
Gigi's education as a courtesan conflicts with her tomboyish independence and the possibility of choosing love on her own terms.
Films like Gigi, and why
My Fair Lady
shared romantic musical form, witty period society, and transformation-centered courtship
An American in Paris
shared lavish MGM musical style, romantic comedy, and emotionally polished period setting
The Merry Widow
shared sophisticated European setting, musical romance, and bittersweet critique of social conventions
Movie Details
- Director
- Vincente Minnelli
- Release Date
- 1958-05-15
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (359)
Cast
- Leslie Caron
- Maurice Chevalier
- Louis Jourdan
- Hermione Gingold
- Eva Gabor
- Jacques Bergerac
- Isabel Jeans
- John Abbott
- Corinne Marchand
- Marie-Hélène Arnaud
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- TCM
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Gigi about?
- A spirited Parisian girl pushes against a glittering society’s expectations when a playboy’s friendship with her begins to turn into love.
- What is Gigi like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gigi as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Gigi violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Gigi.
- What did critics think of Gigi?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an elegant, charming, lyrically crafted musical distinguished by strong performances, sophisticated atmosphere, and Vincente Minnelli’s restraint.
- Which films are like Gigi?
- Films with a similar feel include My Fair Lady, An American in Paris, and The Merry Widow.
- How long is Gigi?
- Gigi runs 115 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gigi?
- In United States, Gigi streams on TCM.
