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City Of Angels [1998]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Some critics complained that City of Angels could never compare to Wim Wenders's exquisite German film Wings of Desire, which served as the later film's primary inspiration. The better argument to make is that any such comparisons are beside the point, because Wings of Desire was a much more deeply poetic, artfully contemplative film, whereas City of Angels is an enchanting product of mainstream Hollywood. Meg Ryan stars as Dr. Maggie Rice, a heart surgeon who is grieving over a lost patient when an angel named Seth (Nicolas Cage) appears to comfort her. She can see him despite the "rule" that angels are invisible, and Seth's love for Maggie forces him to choose between angelic immortality and a normal human existence on earth with her. Featuring heavenly roles for TV veterans Andre Braugher and Dennis Franz, the film liberally borrows imagery from Wings of Desire, but it also creates its own charming identity. Cage and Ryan give fine performances as lovers convinced they are soul mates, and although the plot relies on a last-minute twist that doesn't quite work, this earnest love story struck a chord with audiences and proved to be one of the surprise hits of 1998. --Jeff Shannon


Film about angels = hell on earth
Review date: 2008-07-02 Rating: 2 out of 10

I can scarcely believe that anyone took this movie seriously, principally because of Nicolas Cage's (par-for-the-course) appalling acting.. It is quite pitiful to watch him attempt to present a noble mien as the angelic character, cocking his head on one side; standing on a skyscraper in his long slouch coat, looking with compassion at the teeming millions below; speaking... very... slowly... to indicate that he is troubled by the torment of emotions which we poor humans have to endure. Really he is HYSTERICAL.
What is even worse is his transformation into a 'human' - soulful, puppy-eyed looks at Meg Ryan accompanied by speech of a normal speed, just in case we missed the finer points of his change in characterisation. This movie is a total hoot 'n' a holler and deserves an award for its creaky clunky patronising pretensions ha ha!

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Reviews


City of Angels
Review date: 2008-06-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

a wonderful love story, beautifully filmed and delicately acted.

blubbed like a baby all the way though.

Romance is not dead.

Too sugary sweet for me
Review date: 2008-03-29 Rating: 2 out of 10

An angel of death (Nicolas Cage) falls in love with a surgeon (Meg Ryan) and wishes he were a real man.

I like love stories, but this was just too corny for me. Meg did her usual perky-girl-next-door thing but this time it felt fake. When she flashed her big trademark grin or let a single tear trickle ever-so-slowly down her beautiful face, it felt like she was just posing. I didn't buy her as a real person; too much staring thoughtfully into the camera and spouting trite dialogue. And who races downhill on a bike at the edge of a cliff with no hands and eyes closed? I'm still wondering why Nic Cage is a star. He played the same gosh-gee-whiz angel that Brad Pitt did in Meet Joe Black minus Brad's good looks and charm. His unwavering nobility was way too precious and those lingering close-ups - please!

The movie is burdened with a cliché script that constantly implores us to Appreciate Life! Dare to Love! Reach Out and Touch Someone! Eat a Pear While There's Still Time! There is nothing to balance the sticky sentimentality except for Dennis Franz as an annoying ex-angel. I liked the song, "In the Arms of an Angel," but can't recommend this movie.

Beautiful
Review date: 2008-01-27 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film has profoundly touched and moved me in a big way. It amazes me that I always end up crying every time I watch it (I have seen it countless times - but then I'm a big softy!) It's a statement about the power of love and the lengths that one will go to for their "true love". It has to be one of the most moving love stories ever made. You would have to have a heart of stone NOT to be moved by it. The film really speaks on many levels and I persoanlly have got a lot from it. The performances are amazing - it has a pretty good soundtrack too. Whether you have any faith or belief doesn't matter - watch the film and prepare to be moved and inspired, and for just a moment you might believe in Angels....

"Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest"
Review date: 2007-10-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

An angle, Seth (Nicolas Cage) on a mission to pick up a soul, is enamored of a woman, Dr. Maggie Rice (Meg Ryan) he comes across. Even though he is supposed to be invisible, she looked straight at him as a man. From that point on he contemplates maintaining a life with her. Unfortunately they are different species.

A chance encounter with a mysteriously sensitive and understanding hospital patient, Nathaniel Messinger (Dennis Franz) opens up the Seth's opportunity by explaining that due to free will Seth can die and be reborn as human if he really wants to.

But does Seth want to give up immortality? And at what cost?
Maggie does not believe in angles; so how will she react?

This film has some excellent photography and the pictures of Tahoe make you want to live there forever.

The film was based but no exactly copied form an earlier movie "Wings of Desire" (1987).

If you are interested in fallen angels then you can not miss "The Horn Blows at Midnight" (1945)

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Dennis Franz
Andre Braugher
Meg Ryan
Colm Feore
Nicolas Cage

Creators:
Nicolas Cage (Primary Contributor)
Meg Ryan (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Warner Home Video
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
EAN: 7321900163200
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 1999-02-08
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1998-04-10
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: Italian (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: Italian (Subtitled)
Language: Portuguese (Subtitled)
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: Arabic (Subtitled)
Language: Italian (Dubbed)

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