City of Angels

City of Angels

Year: 1998

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Brad Silberling

ThrillerFantasyRomance

In this haunting thriller, Nicolas Cage stars as Seth, an immortal angel who defies the norms by befriending humans in invisible mode. When he meets heart surgeon Maggie (Meg Ryan), their poignant connection prompts him to abandon his ethereal existence and take on mortality, embarking on a poignant journey of self-discovery and love amidst the City of Angels' mortal realm.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen City of Angels yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – City of Angels (1998)
Explore the full timeline and setting of City of Angels (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern Day, Day of the Dead

The movie unfolds in the modern era, with themes rooted in the spiritual and cultural significance of the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition honoring deceased loved ones. The narrative explores the duality of life and death in contemporary society, where individuals confront their pasts to find closure and justice.

Location

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, often referred to simply as L.A., is a sprawling city in Southern California known for its entertainment industry, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the city harbors diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor. The harbor serves as a contrasting backdrop, symbolizing both loss and resurrection in the narrative.

🌆 City 🏖️ Harbor 🎭 Tattoo parlor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:41

Main Characters – City of Angels (1998)
Meet the key characters of City of Angels (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ashe Corven (Nicolas Cage)

Ashe Corven is a mechanic whose life is irrevocably changed by tragedy and resurrection. Haunted by the memory of his dead son and his own violent end, Ashe navigates his second chance at life with a fierce determination for vengeance. His character oscillates between moments of confusion and unrelenting rage, showcasing the complexities of grief and the desire for justice.

🦅 Crow ⚔️ Vengeance 🖤 Tragedy

Sarah

Sarah is a talented artist who uses her creativity to navigate her grief while grappling with disturbing dreams of Ashe and Danny. Her character represents resilience as she transforms her pain into surreal artwork. Drawn by a mystical crow, she ultimately plays a pivotal role in Ashe's resurrection and quest for vengeance, highlighting her courage to confront the past.

🎨 Artist 💔 Grief 🌙 Dreamer

Judah Earl

Judah Earl serves as the ruthless antagonist of the film, a drug kingpin whose brutal actions lead to the tragic demise of Ashe and his son. His character embodies corruption and malice as he goes to great lengths to maintain his power. Judah's interactions with Ashe culminate in intense confrontations, positioning him as a central figure in Ashe's journey of revenge.

💼 Antagonist 🔫 Crime 🌪️ Chaos

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:41

Major Themes – City of Angels (1998)
Explore the central themes of City of Angels (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💀 Death & Resurrection

Death and resurrection are central themes, presented through Ashe's miraculous return to life and his quest for vengeance. Ashe's journey embodies the struggle between life and death, revealing the pain of lost loved ones while also emphasizing the importance of closure and redemption. Sarah, haunted by dreams of Ashe and Danny, reflects the emotional scars caused by past traumas.

⚖️ Vengeance

Vengeance drives Ashe’s actions as he confronts those who took away his family and robbed him of his life. The narrative emphasizes the brutal cost of revenge, illustrating the cycle of violence and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. Ultimately, Ashe’s pursuit of vengeance leads to personal sacrifice and profound loss.

💔 Love & Loss

The themes of love and loss resonate deeply throughout the film, depicted through Ashe’s connection to Sarah and their shared past. Their relationship embodies a blend of longing and heartbreak, highlighting the struggles of moving on from grief. Ashe's love for his son Danny further intensifies his motivations, intertwining personal tragedy with his quest for justice.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:41

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