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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – City of Angels (1998)

Trace every key event in City of Angels (1998) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ashe and Danny's Tragic Fate

In Los Angeles, a mechanic named Ashe Corven and his young son, Danny, become victims of drug kingpin Judah Earl. Their lives are cut short after they witness a brutal murder, leading to their disposal in the sea, marking a tragic beginning to the story.

Los Angeles
2

Sarah's Transformation

Years later, Sarah, the character from the first film, has grown into an adult who works in a tattoo parlor. She immerses herself in creating surreal artwork that explores themes of death and resurrection, all while grappling with disturbing dreams of Ashe and Danny.

3

The Crow's Arrival

On All Saints' Day, Sarah is mysteriously drawn to the harbor by a crow. She witnesses Ashe's astonishing resurrection from his watery grave, bringing him home and revealing the heartbreaking truth of his death.

All Saints' Day Harbor
4

Ashe's Confusion

Upon resurrection, Ashe is overwhelmed with confusion and escapes into the night. He is haunted by memories of his tragic end, searching for answers and clarity about his return to the living.

5

The Quest for Vengeance Begins

Sarah informs Ashe that he has returned to seek vengeance on those who killed him and Danny. Guided by the crow, Ashe embarks on a deadly quest, starting his mission to eliminate Judah's henchmen one by one.

6

First Target: Spider-Monkey

Ashe’s first target is Spider-Monkey, a low-life hiding in a drug warehouse. After extracting vital information, Ashe destroys the building in a fiery explosion, showcasing his newfound powers and setting the tone for his vengeful journey.

Drug warehouse
7

The Execution of Nemo

Next, Ashe tracks down Nemo, who is hiding in a peeping booth. He executes Nemo in a grotesque manner, leaving behind a doll and a paper crow as his calling card, further solidifying his return as a vengeful spirit.

Peeping booth
8

Judah's Manipulation

Aware of Ashe's resurrection and his connection to Sarah, Judah employs a blind prophetess named Sybil to manipulate events. Judah captures Sarah to lure Ashe into a deadly confrontation, escalating the stakes in their bitter rivalry.

9

Confrontation with Kali

In a climactic moment, Ashe confronts Kali, discovering she played a role in Danny's death. Overcome with rage, he throws her into a wall, showcasing his fury and the weight of the vengeance he carries.

10

Motorcycle Chase with Curve

Ashe finds himself in an intense motorcycle chase with Judah's right-hand man, Curve. In a decisive moment, Ashe drags Curve to his demise in a river, showcasing both his skills and the deadly consequences of their ruthless criminal life.

11

Judah's Treachery

As the Day of the Dead festival approaches, Judah captures and kills the crow, aiming to siphon Ashe's powers. This brutal act leaves Ashe vulnerable and despondent, pushing him to the brink of despair.

12

A Vision of Danny

In his lowest moment, Ashe receives a vision of Danny, reigniting his determination to fight. Inspired, he prepares for the ultimate showdown at Judah's hideout, an abandoned church, where he must face his formidable enemy.

Abandoned church
13

The Climactic Battle

In the heat of battle, Ashe struggles against Judah, who prepares to hang him. Just when hope seems lost, Sarah intervenes and stabs Judah, showcasing her bravery, but the victory is short-lived as Judah retaliates and fatally wounds her.

14

Ashe's Final Stand

Despite his heartbreak over Sarah's fate, Ashe gathers his final strength to confront Judah. In a powerful moment, he calls upon a murder of crows, exacting gruesome revenge on Judah, fulfilling his mission of vengeance.

15

A Heart-Wrenching Conclusion

As the dust settles, Ashe cradles the dying Sarah in a poignant moment that mirrors her past artwork. Embracing his fate, Ashe finds solace in knowing he will be reunited with Sarah and Danny in death, completing their tragic story.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:01

Unlock the Full Story of City of Angels

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City of Angels Summary

Read a complete plot summary of City of Angels, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

City of Angels Summary

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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