Product ReviewsCity of Angels (DVD, 1998)

I didn't know angels were supposed to make you cry

I saw City of Angels at one of those "discount" theaters that play movies right before they're pulled from the big screen and put out on video. I sat with in the balcony of this theater with my mother and two of her friends. Armed with my Junior Mints and my large lemonade (a combination I don't suggest to anyone, by the way) I realized I didn't have what I was going to need most - a big box of tissues. I bought the movie as soon as it came out on video, and now I never watch it without a hefty stack of Kleenex next to me.

I guess I'm a pretty spiritual person. The way this movie portrayed angels was new to me, and I kind of liked it. The opening scenes showing the number of "Angels in Black" all across the city was intriguing to me. I especially liked having them congregate in the library to read about all the feelings they can't experience, and standing on the beach at sunrise to hear the celestial music of dawn.

But on to the actual plot and acting. Meg Ryan and Nicolas Cage have excellent chemistry. And they are both so sexy. I'd never have cast Meg Ryan as a doctor, but it worked. She is very real in almost every role she plays, and this was no exception. We see her go through the motions and then deal with the reality of the forces at work day in and day out in her healing profession. As for Nicolas Cage as an angel - if someone has to take me to heaven when it's my time to go, I wouldn't mind if it was him. He made me believe everything he said - no matter how hard it was to imagine a being that could not feel touch or hurt or hunger. These two made a perfect pair, rivalling the chemistry we've grown to know and love between even Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

The plot was not necessarily the most original. But it worked for me. Nicolas Cage, an angel who was never human, falls in love with Meg Ryan, an ordinary human who will never be an angel. Free will gives him a choice to make - possibly the hardest decision anyone could ever have to make. And he makes the choice to be with her. I will not ruin the ending for anyone who has not seen the film, but the incredible irony, the terrible twist of fate...it's enough to make anyone cry.

And cry I did. When the lights came up after the credits stopped rolling, I was still sobbing. When we walked downstairs and through the lobby, people staring at me the whole way, I was still sobbing. Even when we walked down the sidewalk to the parking lot where our car was, there were still tears streaming down my face at the unfairness of the whole thing.

This movie has earned the place in my heart as "my favorite movie." At least for now. It is one of the most romantic movies of all time, in my book. Ladies, I suggest asking your honey to wear an old shirt when you rent this for your next Saturday night movie fest. If you use his shoulder to cry on instead of a tissue, it's gonna get drenched.Read full review...

interesting

interesting idea and a really good story that is well acted. thought-provoking. the bible speaks of such interactions in Genesis. The sons of God and female humans.

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Live, love laugh and cry just a little

This movie has always been a favorite of mine! Time to own my own so I can watch whenever I want. Meg Ryan (a heart surgeon) & Nick Cage are perfect together as they explore the world of science & not so scientific realm of angels--Add to that the supporting cast of characters sure to be recognized. Highly recommend--A classic...Read full review...

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Excellent movie

This is an excellent movie, superbly acted by Cage & Ryan, and with a deliciously wicked performance by Dennis Franz.

A beautiful love story that I wanted to have on DVD, also to see the making of.Read full review...

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City of Angels

Well i can honestly say that i love the movie because it has a deep spiritual meaning behind it. I would say that the message being sent is that God can give as easily as he can take to. It was an inspirational movie and ive loved it since the first time i bought it. The only thing i dislike about the movie is the fact that everything Nicolas Cage goes through is wasted cause in the end Meg Ryan dies anyhows. I beleive that is a messed up ending which says the message loud and clear. God can give and God and take away. I would reccomend this movie to anyone who beleives in God and loves a tear jerker. I decided to buy it because i always wanted to movie to own for myself. I love this movie very much and would definitly buy it again if i ever had something happen to the one i have i am very pleased with my purchase.Read full review...

Good but not the best.

I wouldn't say this is my favorite movie but it is definitely one I watch over and over again because of the message it conveys. The soundtrack is awesome. I love Nic Cage and Meg Ryan but found their chemistry lacking for the intensity of love that was supposed to be there. Still, the profound, unknowable message of the film and the cinematography make it one of the movies I watch over and over again. I definitely recommend this movie. It is sad but so is life sometimes.Read full review...

Excellence in storytelling...

Yes a very, very well told story, The viewer must understand, however that it takes "gross" liberties - It says angels aren't like people, that they're different Deiific creations. People are angels, before and after their Earth life. Other theological anomalies are apparent.
The story does put much stress on another quality of Father's creations, and very rightly so - that of our creation given attribute, FREE AGENCY.
All in all, the story is "marvelous"!Read full review...

So romantic

I love the idea of someone sacrificing everything just to be with another person. Bittersweet just like real life. Makes you appreciate your own romance story if you have a good one.

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perfect romance movie

perfect movie,.been waiting for it to come to streaming but could not wait. I love it.

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It was a very bad ending. 🤔🙄😖

I like the movie, but I don't like that her life was cut very short after meeting the man she loved. Total bummer.

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