A Matter of Life and Death

Year: 1946

Runtime: 104 mins

Language: English

Directors: Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell

ComedyWarRomanceDramaFantasy

A young RAF pilot miraculously survives a bail‑out without a parachute and meets an American radio operator, sparking an instant romance. Their love defies both war‑torn reality and the afterlife’s rules, prompting the celestial authorities to send an angel to claim the pilot’s soul before their bliss can endure.

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Timeline & Setting – A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Matter of Life and Death (1946). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Location

English Channel, English coast (England), United States Army Air Forces base on the English coast, beach near the base

The story unfolds along the wartime English Channel and a coastal airbase on the English shore. Action shifts from a burning Lancaster bomber over the Channel to a nearby base and its beach, where the surviving pilot regains consciousness and confronts his fate. The setting blends frontline military life with the surreal journey into the afterlife that follows.

🗺️ WWII setting 🏖️ English coast 🛫 US Air Forces base

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Main Characters – A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Meet the key characters of A Matter of Life and Death (1946), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

Major Themes – A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

Explore the central themes of A Matter of Life and Death (1946), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:59

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Cosmic Romance Fantasies like A Matter of Life and Death

Whimsical love stories that challenge the rules of reality and the afterlife.If you enjoyed the blend of whimsical fantasy and heartfelt romance in A Matter of Life and Death, you'll find similar stories here. These movies explore love that defies cosmic odds, set against imaginative backdrops of celestial bureaucracy or alternate realities, perfect for fans of hopeful and philosophical tales.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern typically involves a human character whose love or extraordinary circumstance brings them into conflict with a larger cosmic or supernatural order. A central debate or trial often ensues, where the power of human emotion and connection is weighed against immutable rules, ultimately affirming hope and the value of life.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core identity: a hopeful, romantic tone woven into a fantastical plot that questions the nature of existence. They maintain a steady pace to develop both the philosophical dilemma and the central relationship, resulting in a medium-intensity experience that is more wondrous than stressful.

Post-War Romance Fantasies like A Matter of Life and Death

Stories where love offers solace and a new beginning in the shadow of conflict.For viewers who liked the post-war setting and themes of sacrifice and renewal in A Matter of Life and Death, this collection features similar films. Discover stories where characters find love and a chance at a new life after enduring the hardships of war, often with a touch of magical realism or speculative fiction.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative journey follows a character, often a soldier or survivor, grappling with the physical or psychological scars of war. Their path to healing is catalyzed by an unexpected romance or a miraculous event, creating a conflict between the harsh realities of their past and the hopeful possibilities of a future they thought was lost.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific emotional core: using elements of fantasy or profound romance to process the trauma of war. They combine the medium emotional weight of wartime sacrifice with a fundamentally hopeful and tender tone, resulting in stories that are both grounding in their historical context and uplifting in their resolution.

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A Matter of Life and Death Summary

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A Matter of Life and Death Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Matter of Life and Death with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Matter of Life and Death Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About A Matter of Life and Death

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Matter of Life and Death: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like A Matter of Life and Death that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.