One of director Jean-Michel Cadinot's best films, "Gamins de Paris" is an ambitious hardcore erotic production. Shot wit...
h the same quality film stock as is used for mainstream productions, this early 90's film offers a coherent and enjoyable storyline, concerning a schoolboy who runs off to Paris after stealing some money from the father of one of his friends. The tale takes place in 1945, allowing the production to shine with fantastic and authentic clothing from that time. Actor Lucien Lebrun jumps a freight train headed towards Paris, the City of Lights, still dressed in his elegant school clothing, only to meet up with Elyas Ardini, who forcefully seduces, and then robs the younger guy, leaving him penniless. (Ardini was a Cadinot regular from this time, known for playing mean, dominant bully types.) Once in Paris, Lucien heads to the flat of his older sister, who is making her living as a prostitute. In fact it seems that everyone here is selling something, whether it be sex, or art, or a gold watch, even the street kids are bargaining with glass marbles! The look of this fine film is really beautiful, top-notch in every respect. The Paris streets look romantic and a bit mysterious, and the 1940's illusion is captured surprisingly well. Featuring a cast of the most beautiful actors Cadinot has ever assembled, including the gigolo boyfriend of Lucien's sister, who bears a striking resemblance to 50's star Alain Delon. The erotic scenes are among some of the best ever, and the strangest thing about this film is the random use of condoms. Some scenes feature the performers using them, and others there are none. One scene starts out with condoms, then halfway through it, the condom is gone, and for the rest of the film, this one actor goes 'bareback.' It seems like at one point the performers just said, "what the hell" and decided to go natural. Also of note is the impressive film score, featuring three different 1940's style songs, as well as a lush, romantic background score. "Gamins de Paris" is proof that hardcore does not have to be pornography; in the hands of someone who respects the beauty of the nude form, it can become art. Recommended, especially to those who are looking for something more than cheap thrills in their erotic entertainment.
