Unless you were born into affluence, anyone can relate to the struggles of "the 99%". My personal favorite of Charlie Chaplin's storied career. Even after over a half century, this is still timeless.

Much has been made of this film as being indicative of the workers' struggle against their oppressive industrialist bosses. In many ways it is, yet the thing is just as celebratory of the industrialists' ability to overcome the mechanization process when it becomes ridiculous (cf. the lunch machine). This is a wonderful film about the process of coming to terms with life and how it can, or cannot, rule your emotions. In the end, we see both of the heroes simply accept that life will continue no matter their outlook, determine to be accepting of that which they cannot control, and be satisfied with what they have achieved and possess, including with each other. Charlie Chaplin as Buddhist. Believe it or not. And he wrote all the music for the film which includes the tune "Smile" which went on to become a jazz standard.

This is an amazing film. Very, very funny, but it is also a social satire, and is poignant as well. It stands up very well after all these years.

Although it incorporates Chaplin's familiar gags it is a fascinating film. I am still "getting" it after a number of viewings. Until I read the description here I didn't realize it was only T.V.s, radios and other technology that spoke in the this part-silent movie. The scene with his boss yelling at him from a giant screen in the employee bathroom speaks volumes about how we are monitored at work today. It's also a period piece in some ways; the depiction of life on the street and shanty towns (although there is only one shanty) makes this time come alive. One of the documentaries included points out that Chaplin's character doesn't "move up" in social status the way that Hollywood characters usually do. He starts as a tramp and ends as a tramp. Even if you have seen it before, have another look. There is a lot of depth here.