City of Angels Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Angel quits his job to experience the joy of pears, only to find out that love leads to tragic bike accidents.

🍿 City of Angels: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Seth and Maggie

Seth, played by Nicolas Cage, is an angel whose role is to guide souls to the afterlife. He observes the human world but does not experience it. Maggie, portrayed by Meg Ryan, is a heart surgeon deeply affected by the loss of her patients. Their paths cross in a hospital, sparking a connection that transcends their different existences.

Seth’s Fascination and Decision

Intrigued by Maggie’s compassion and humanity, Seth begins to reveal himself to her. He learns about human sensations and desires, things he can only observe as an angel. He meets Nathaniel Messinger, a former angel who chose to become human, further fueling Seth’s desire to experience life alongside Maggie.

The Choice to Fall

Torn between his angelic existence and his love for Maggie, Seth makes the ultimate decision to ‘fall’ and become human. He gives up his immortality and painless existence to experience life’s joys and sorrows with her. The transformation is immediate, bringing him both physical pain and intense emotions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Seth (Nicolas Cage): An angel who falls in love with a human doctor and chooses to become mortal to experience life and love with her.
• Dr. Maggie Rice (Meg Ryan): A brilliant heart surgeon who is initially skeptical of angels but develops a deep connection with Seth.
• Cassiel (Andre Braugher): Seth’s fellow angel and close friend, who observes Seth’s journey with understanding and compassion.
• Nathaniel Messinger (Dennis Franz): A former angel and patient of Maggie’s, who encourages Seth to embrace humanity and its sensations.
• Jordan Ferris (Colm Feore): Maggie’s colleague and former boyfriend, who represents a more conventional romantic option for her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Seth: “I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss of her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it. One.” – Seth expresses his feelings to Cassiel about Maggie, justifying his choice to become human despite the tragic outcome.
• Nathaniel Messinger: “It’s a simple choice. Choose life.” – Nathaniel tells Seth of his experience of falling to Earth, so he can feel all the joy and pain of being human.
• Maggie: “I can’t live my life waiting to die.” – Maggie expresses a desire to embrace life fully, which resonates with Seth’s longing for human experience.
• Seth: “I know that I have loved you beyond all reason.” – Seth explains to Maggie the depth of his love, acknowledging the irrationality of his choice to fall.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $78,685,114
• Worldwide Gross: $198,685,114

💥 City of Angels Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I cried. A lot. ‘City of Angels’ hit me right in the feels. The idea of an angel giving up everything for love is beautiful, even though the ending is devastating. The scenes where Seth experiences human sensations for the first time were truly special. I’ll admit, it’s a bit cheesy, but sometimes that’s exactly what I’m looking for in a movie. I’m not afraid to admit it, I loved this film. It’s one of the best romance movies I have ever seen.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about angels and the afterlife”
  • “Those who appreciate movies with emotional depth and poignant themes”
  • “Fans of Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief sensuality”
  • “Thematic elements including death and grief”
  • “Brief partial nudity”
  • “Accident scene”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While ‘City of Angels’ boasts strong performances from Cage and Ryan, its reliance on sentimentality overshadows its deeper exploration of mortality and choice. The film offers visually stunning moments, but its narrative ultimately falls short of its potential.
• RogerEbert.com: “Ebert noted that the film’s premise is intriguing and that the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” enhances the film’s emotional depth, but the film ultimately lacks the intellectual rigor and emotional complexity of its source material.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack is amazing!: Viewers consistently praise the film’s soundtrack, highlighting its emotional impact.

Nicolas Cage’s performance.: Many appreciate his portrayal of an angel navigating human emotions, though some find it unsettling.

The message about human connection is beautiful.: Viewers love the film’s exploration of love, loss, and the value of human experience.

Overall Consensus: ‘City of Angels’ is a visually appealing romantic drama with strong performances but divisive ending. While some find its sentimentality moving, others criticize its simplistic approach to complex themes and tragic ending.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “”City of Angels” is a remake of Wim Wenders’ 1987 film “Wings of Desire”.”
• “Reportedly, Nicolas Cage did not blink throughout much of the film to convey Seth’s otherworldly nature.”
• “The Goo Goo Dolls’ song “Iris” was written for the film’s soundtrack and became a massive hit, boosting the movie’s popularity.”
• “Several scenes were filmed at the San Francisco Public Library, chosen for its grand architecture and symbolic representation of knowledge and human experience.”

🖥️ How to Watch City of Angels?

City of Angels is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed City of Angels, you might like these similar films:

• Wings of Desire (1987): The original film that “City of Angels” is based on, exploring similar themes of angels observing humanity and one falling in love.
• What Dreams May Come (1998): Deals with themes of love, loss, and the afterlife, exploring the lengths one will go to for love.
• Ghost (1990): Another romantic fantasy drama where love transcends the physical realm and death.
• The Lake House (2006): Features a bittersweet romance with a supernatural element, where the protagonists connect across time and space.

🛒 City of Angels Related Products

• City of Angels [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition, with enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for fans of the movie, providing a superior viewing experience.
• City of Angels: The Score [Audio CD]: Relive the emotions of the film with Gabriel Yared’s beautiful score. Perfect for listening to at home or on the go.
• Nicolas Cage: 5-Film Collection [DVD]: Featuring Nicolas Cage and 5 of his best and most iconic movies. A great way to get to know one of the most famous and influential actors of modern cinema.
• Meg Ryan: Sleepless in Seattle – Blu-Ray: See other movies by Meg Ryan, such as Sleepless in Seattle, restored and in Blu-Ray resolution! The perfect gift for Meg Ryan fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

City of Angels features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Iris” – performed by Goo Goo Dolls
• “Angel” – performed by Sarah McLachlan
• “Uninvited” – performed by Alanis Morissette
• “Red House” – performed by Jimi Hendrix

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Goo Goo Dolls – “Iris” Behind-the-Track (Dizzy 20)

Dive into the fascinating story behind the iconic song “Iris” and its special connection to the movie. This behind-the-scenes peek will give you a new perspective on this beloved track.

Behind The Song: “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls

Uncover the hidden layers of meaning behind the song “Iris”. This insightful video analysis will enhance your understanding of the song’s power and its resonance within the movie’s narrative.

✨ Rate