Seth and Maggie are lovely characters. Maggie is like so many of us, not sure what she wants in life, not sure who's hands life is in, confused as to why things happen beyond her control no matter how hard she tries. I am certain you too have asked yourself these questions at some point. If you have recently lost someone close to you, this movie can do nothing but reasure you that they are fine whether you believe that there is any truth to this 'idea' of what happens when you die.
I had lost my grandfather only a couple of years before I saw this film. I have a belief that there is life after death but questioned it after he died. He meant so much to me and then I saw this film. I felt him watching it with me. I am not a movie crying person but couldn't help but weep throughout so many parts of this film.
Not being a fan of Nicholas Cage, I dreaded the idea of watching it because of him, but adoring Meg Ryan as a fabulous and convincing actress, I decided to drag my boyfriend to see it. THe idea that there are these angels around us, reasurring us and helping us throughout our lives and keeping us company as our lives pass from this existence to the next just made me feel very reasurred about death. It helped me to believe that my grandfather was not alone when he passed.
The film itself is so beautiful. The way that the angels were never human and Seth's craving to know what it is to be human and alive. I love Maggie's character as she is so willing to trust this unusual stranger that enters her life. She is not willing to dismiss him as 'nutter' and realises that there is a peace about Seth and an intelligence but also a mysterious innocence about him. Nicholas Cage manages to show this innocence so excellently that I found it hard to separate him from his character at some points.
This heart tugging, emotional, beautiful film will touch anyone if they just open themselves to it. It was just a refreshing view on angels, not conforming to the idealistic view that angels are white (not in a racial sense but in clothing) and silvery with wings and sing. It is external to these stereotypical portrayal of Angels. Instead they wear black clothes covered in long black overcoats. They were never human and cannot touch or feel physical things although they do have feelings and emotions. Necessary of course. Seth is different. He falls in love with Maggie, a human and a mortal, and craves her touch and to experience normal life, to feel pain and hunger and true love and to be with her.
Their journey to understanding each other is just... beautiful. I know I have used that word far to often in this review but it is the most accurate word to describe this unique take on angels.
This movie was very touching, if you picked up on the subtle nature of what was going on. Maggie (Meg Ryan) was struggling with her faith while being a heart surgeon who can't see the connection between her work and faith in God. Don't let that scare you - religion isn't the main focus of the movie. It was very moving to watch Maggie come alive once she meets Seth (Nicolas Cage) who is an angel.
Another reviewer had a great point - the movie, if you spend time thinking about it, really does make you realize all the little things that we all take for granted. Dennis Franz's character really brings these things to light, but he reminded me that you don't always have to take life so seriously - there has to be room for fun and enjoyment.
I will admit that I was disappointed with the ending, but every movie has to end and even though I needed some Kleenex it was a very powerful ending to a though-provoking movie. The soundtrack of this movie is also great! The songs perfectly fit each scene.
The most memorable line from the movie for me is when Seth says the following to Maggie shortly after they meet for the first time:
"Some things are true whether you believe them or not."
This movie took me on an emotional ride. I don't often cry at movies (in fact, Tears of Endearment was on just before City of Angels and I was dry-eyed the whole three hours). But City of Angels... I cried. It was especially touching to see them in the bedroom, together but not quite together with the haunting "In the Arms of the Angels" playing in the background. God it gave me chills. And tears. I'm usually pretty good at predicting movies but I didn't see that ending coming, it hit me like a kick in the stomach. I hated that movie at that moment. I hated everything. I really wanted everything to be happily ever after. But then I realized.... shlocky happy endings are so empty. While I didn't like the ending, I had to respect it. If a movie can do all of that to me in just 2 hours, I have to say I recommend it.
A lot of other reviewers have gone into great depth in explaining the plot. Therefore I won't do the same; I'll just give a brief overview of it. The movie's plot is based on the characters of Seth (Cage) and Maggie (Ryan). Seth is an angel who is sent to "pick up" the people he's to take to heaven. And when he is waiting for a patient of Maggie (she's a doctor) to pass, he finds himself fascinated with her relentlessness in not giving up on the child. Seth almost feels violated; as Maggie looks him in the eye and (seemingly) tells Seth not to take him yet. The way the two interact when they're supposed to not even notice each other is outstanding. Even though Seth knows that he's dead, he sometimes feels as if he can intermingle with her. This part of the movie is by far the best; and once the two actually are able to communicate (how I won't ruin for you; I wouldn't be able to explain it too well), everything that seemed to be amazing within the movie begins to fade. The acting becomes more average and the story starts to slow down and not let you know where it's going. There's not much more that can be said about the film or it's basis. But as for the ending, it almost ruined the movie completely. I won't spoil it for you; as you can decide for yourself whether or not it's fitting. It came up too fast, I think. And I will stick to my saying it was one of the weaker endings in the romance movie library. I could've easily changed my ranking to 4 stars from three if they'd had a better ending. But even if you know what actually happens or you hate poor endings in film, still watch the movie. The beginning and (overall) acting by Nicolas Cage are certainly worth it. But for the common Cage fan: stay away from this one. If you are hoping for a repeat of any of his action sequences from his previous or latter movies, you will be extremely disappointed. This is a love story, this is not an action movie. Nonetheless, he does an excellent job with his role and almost outdoes himself. Meg Ryan also rises to the occasion; for all you `Sleepless In Seattle' fanatics out there.
In the end, `City Of Angels' is, overall, a decent movie. The cast list is pretty limited; as really only Cage and Ryan are given the chance to shine. But Andre Braugher does a good job in the small supporting cast, and Cage's `Leaving Las Vegas' co-star Elisabeth Shue appears shortly as a pregnant woman. Still, Cage and Ryan are all you need to enjoy this movie. It was a very popular movie, but I do believe it's slightly overrated. The ending was very ineffectual and may, in time, make you lose interest in the movie (meaning you won't want to watch it again). But kudos to Nicolas Cage for trying something new with his distinct career. Definitely watch this movie if you haven't already. You may not completely like it, but you will at least be able to form some strong opinions about it.
