Is La cité des neuf portes Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1977)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of La cité des neuf portes (1977), audiences are invited back into the world of Fantasy. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Filmmaker and teacher, Stéphane Marti has been researching experimental cinema as an art form liberated of aesthetic codes and the economics of big budget cinema. His work is primarily focused on the themes of the sacred and the human body. An avid supporter of the Super-8 format, he has been fighting for its merits as a tool. He has used this format film after film and has been sharing his experiences with new filmmakers during his workshops at the Sorbonne’s College of the Arts (Paris I)."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Aloual's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Fantasy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is La cité des neuf portes worth your time? If you appreciate Fantasy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, La cité des neuf portes is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 68 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.