A story of love and cinema, that's how we can sum up Empire of Light, the new film from Sam Mendes. It's a new aesthetic slap in the face from the English director who has made us accustomed to sumptuous feature films: American Beauty, The Paths of Perdition, Skyfall, 1917, and many others. Rediscover him on TV on November 21, 9:10pm on Canal+.
And for this new opus, he has surrounded himself with one of the biggest stars in British cinema today: Olivia Coleman(The Lost Daughter, The Crown, Fleabag). But that's not all: Colin Firth(Kingsman, The King's Speech, Love Actually) and Toby Jones(Jurassic World, Indiana Jones 5) will also appear.
Our verdict
After the big Hollywood machines full of pyrotechnics, Sam Mendes returns to a more intimate device, but with no loss of quality. Many themes run through this new feature. Under the guise of a magnificent love story, the film tackles the rise of the skin movement in London, racism, mental illness, depression and, above all, cinema.
Seemingly simple, the film is deeply humbling, and its classicism is overwhelming. It's rare to see such works tell such a universal story with such attention to direction and image. In Empire of Light, everything is visually dazzling, with Sam Mendes' camera sublimating the character of Hilary, played by the brilliant Olivia Coleman.
Hilary's life is sad, her health fragile and her relationship with others often conflicted. It's when she meets Stephen that her life is turned upside down. Their relationship is as beautiful as it is moving. As a result, this beautiful film is as enchanting as it is moving. A must-see for all lovers of the seventh art.
Hilary (Olivia Colman) is in charge of a movie theater and is trying to preserve her fragile mental health. Stephen (Micheal Ward) is a new employee who longs to leave this small provincial town, where every day can quickly turn into an ordeal. As they grow closer, they learn to heal their wounds through music, film and a sense of belonging...
Films Incontournables UGC 2024: the best films of 2023 back in cinemas for €5
Les Films Incontournables UGC is aptly named, as it features the best films of the past year. The new edition of this must-see event takes place from January 10 to 23, 2024, in some 15 cinemas in the Paris region. Good news: tickets are only 5 euros. It's also an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the directors. Here's the program! [Read more]
Not sure which film to see today? Well, we've got plenty of films to show near you. [Read more]
Films Incontournables UGC 2024: the best films of 2023 back in cinemas for €5
Cinema: which film to see today, this Thursday April 18th, 2024?
