DIRECTOR: Luc Besson CAST: Dane DeHaan,
Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu,
Rutger Hauer SCREENPLAY BY: Luc
Besson STORY BY: Pierre
Christin, Jean-Claude Mézières BASED
ON: Valérian and Laureline PRODUCERS: Luc Besson, Virginie
Besson-Silla FILM EDITOR: Julien
Rey GENRE: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Thierry Arbogast MUSIC: Alexandre
Desplat PRODUCTION DESIGN: Hugues
Tissandier PRODUCTON COMPANIES: EuropaCorp,
Fundamental Films, BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance, Universum Film, Gulf Film,
River Road Entertainment, Belga Films
DISTRIBUTORS: STX Entertainment (US), EuropaCorp (France) COUNTRY: France LANGUAGE: French, English RUNNING TIME: 137 minutes
Technical assessment: 3.5
Moral assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: V14
In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara
Delavingne) are sent to a mission in Alpha, a huge city in the outer space
inhabited by millions of creatures from different planets, to solve a
mystery that threatens the peaceful living in the said space station and entire
universe. Prior to embarking on the mission, Valerian proposes marriage to
Laureline, but the latter prefers to retain their relationship at colleague
level because she does not believe Valerian can take serious relationship. The
two agents accomplish the mission of retrieving a rare animal and acquiring
special pearls that are needed to protect the Alpha. On return to space city,
they learn from their commander Arun Fillit (Clive Owen) that Alpha is
further threatened with infiltration by dark forces in some areas. During
public assembly, the humanoids attack and kidnap the Fillit while the rest of
the participants in the assembly are incapacitated including Valerian and
Laureline. But Valerian manages to free himself and chases the kidnapers
towards the infected area where he suddenly losses control of the vehicle and
his contact with Laureline. The latter searches and finally finds him only to
be abducted in return. This time its Valerian’s turn to rescue Laureline with
the help of Bubble (Rihanna), a shape-shifter.
Valerian has a character-based plot made interesting by the love angle
between the main characters which is tried and tested while accomplishing the
mission together. There is miscasting of the main character particularly
Valerian who looks more like bubbly teenager than a credible police agent.
Nevertheless, the film boasts of excellent CGI work and is a real treat of visual delights
for the viewers. The cinematography is likewise good especially long shots of
the universe and close-up shots of details in the highly imaginative production
design. The sound effects perfectly fit every movement and action in the
space station and enhance the visual effects.
Peace is achieved when there is unity in diversity. Valerian and the
City of a Thousand Planets showcases a big community of beings
from different origins who are peacefully living and working together. They
generously share their technology and culture in harmony for the greater good.
Keeping and protecting the city from the enemy of peace is a noble and
sacrificing act, adhered to to the point that even the personal interest such
as the love relationship of Valerian and Laureline takes a back seat for the
benefit of the great majority. But this does not make them love each other
less; amidst the trials and threat of loss their love and care strengthen them
to fight together. On the other hand, the one responsible for triggering chaos
and damage to the peaceful city suffered the consequences of his actions. The
movie conveys positive messages, however, violent nature of fighting and the
killings may need guidance adult for minors to comprehend the movie.
