City of Angels

City of Angels

Year: 1998

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Brad Silberling

ThrillerFantasyRomance

An angel, Seth (Nicolas Cage), observes humanity from a hidden realm, interacting with humans invisibly. He finds himself drawn to Maggie (Meg Ryan), a dedicated heart surgeon, and develops a profound connection with her. Yearning for a life beyond his immortal existence, Seth makes the momentous decision to become mortal, embarking on a moving exploration of love, loss, and what it truly means to be human within the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles.

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City of Angels (1998) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at City of Angels (1998) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the luminous sprawl of Los Angeles, a city that never quite sleeps, an unseen realm brushes against the streets, the sky, and the quiet moments of its inhabitants. This hidden backdrop is a place of quiet observation, where the glow of streetlights and the rush of traffic become a canvas for something far more ethereal. The film moves between the glittering surface of the city and the soft, almost imperceptible hum of a world that watches it all, setting a tone that feels both intimate and expansive.

​Seth is an angel who has spent ages drifting above the human drama, absorbing the city’s heartbeat without ever being touched by its pulse. From his concealed perch, he feels the rush of love, the sting of loss, and the fragile beauty of ordinary lives, yet remains untethered, a silent witness to the stories that unfold below. His existence is one of calm observation, a lingering presence that knows the city’s secrets without ever being part of them, creating a gentle tension between the immutable and the ever‑changing.

​Maggie is a dedicated heart surgeon whose world is defined by the delicate balance of life and death. Her days are a blend of precise skill and emotional resilience, navigating the pressures of a demanding profession while seeking meaning beyond the operating room. The city’s rhythm mirrors her own—fast, relentless, and full of hidden depths—drawing her into moments of quiet reflection amid the bustle.

When the paths of the immortal observer and the mortal healer cross, a subtle yet profound connection begins to blossom. The film explores the yearning to step beyond the limits of one’s nature, the pull of love that defies heaven and earth, and the bittersweet allure of becoming fully human. Through luminous visuals and a tender score, the story invites viewers to contemplate what it means to truly live, love, and let go, all against the restless, sun‑kissed backdrop of Los Angeles.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:06

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City of Angels Summary

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City of Angels Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in City of Angels

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Characters, Settings & Themes in City of Angels

More About City of Angels

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