City of Angels

Watch City of Angels

"She didn't believe in angels until she fell in love with one."
  • 1998
  • 1 hr 54 min

City of Angels is a 1998 romantic fantasy drama film that tells the story of an angel named Seth, played by Nicolas Cage, who becomes fascinated by the human world and decides to leave his immortality behind to experience life as a human. The film is a remake of the 1987 German film Wings of Desire, directed by Wim Wenders. The movie begins with Seth, an angel who moves through the city of Los Angeles helping people in their time of need. While observing a heart surgery, he becomes curious about the human experience and what it feels like to be alive. After seeing a young girl die on an operating table, Seth decides that he wants to feel emotions and live like a normal human being, something that is forbidden for an angel. With the help of another angel, Cassiel, played by Andre Braugher, Seth is allowed to become human and experience life in Los Angeles.

As Seth adjusts to his new life, he meets a heart surgeon named Maggie Rice, played by Meg Ryan. Seth becomes fascinated by her and the way she approaches life, something that is very different from his world as an angel. Maggie, on the other hand, is still mourning the death of a patient and is struggling to come to grips with her life as a surgeon. Despite their differences, the two begin a relationship that is both intense and complicated.

Throughout the movie, Seth attempts to understand what it means to be human and to feel emotions. He experiences a range of feelings, including joy, love, and hurt. While his feelings for Maggie are strong, he also feels conflicted because of his loyalty to heaven and his fellow angels. Adding to the complication is the fact that Maggie has a boyfriend, Dennis Franz’s character, who is a dedicated cop.

As the story progresses, Seth is amazed at the unpredictability of life and the consequences of each decision that he makes. With Cassiel watching over him, he embarks on the journey of a lifetime, trying to understand the human experience and what it means to be truly alive. However, he soon discovers that being human is not as easy as he thought it would be. As he struggles with his new emotions and his love for Maggie, he realizes that with every action comes a reaction, whether good or bad.

The movie ends with a powerful scene as Seth is given the opportunity to return to heaven but is conflicted about whether he should leave Maggie behind. He ultimately makes a decision that will change his life forever, leaving the audience to ponder on what the future may hold for the two of them.

One of the central themes of City of Angels is the exploration of what it means to be human. The movie presents an insightful analysis of human nature, from the way we think and feel to the consequences of our decisions.

The film is beautifully shot and captures the essence of Los Angeles, with its evocative mix of glamour and reality. The soundtrack includes songs by artists like Goo Goo Dolls, Alanis Morissette, and U2, which perfectly complement the mood and tone of the story.

In terms of the cast, Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan deliver powerful performances that successfully convey the complex emotions of their characters. Franz and Braugher also provide excellent support, with Braugher in particular delivering a standout performance as the otherworldly Cassiel.

In conclusion, City of Angels is a compelling romance that explores the themes of love, loss, and the essence of life itself. The film is both thought-provoking and poignant, and its messages will inspire anybody who watches it. While some viewers may find it a bit slow-moving, the movie is nonetheless an evocative and thought-provoking piece of cinema that delivers on its central message.

City of Angels is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes.

City of Angels
Description
Where to Watch City of Angels
City of Angels is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent City of Angels for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1998
  • Runtime
    1 hr 54 min
  • Language
    English