amazon Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets reviews
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets opens with the story of the human space station Alpha built in 1975. This is where species from all over the universe live peacefully and exchange knowledge and culture. Having spent decades operating on its mission, this station soon became a giant landfill and humanity sought to “dispose” it. And the story goes on to two Valerian and Laureline agents of humanity. This part must be reserved for those who have not watched yet.
If you love watching action adventure movies, you probably know the name Luc Besson. He is the writer of a lot of good films, such as Léon: The Professional, The Fifth Element, District B13 or closer to the film Transporter and Taken. Much of this French director-writer’s film is in the form of an entertaining act, with a plot line with a bit of knotty and humor.
From the beginning of the film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets brought me feeling quite familiar. The movie is like the version of Luc Besson own, so colorful and picky, but the world is darker. The skill in the film is invested a lot, and I can only say the word “beautiful”. But if you expect that world to be as beautiful as the Na’vi in Avatar, then you will be disappointed. There are no large forests, instead of the beautiful golden sand beach Pearl. There is also no wildlife with all kinds of strange shapes, only the tiny mulch is very cute, funny.
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Honestly, I do not like the Pearl shape. It has something familiar from the Na’vi in Avatar by James Cameron. Even the costumes of this tribe are the same, although the color is much brighter. But that can not hide the unreasonable similarity of the two clans in these two different worlds. Not only that, the Pearl characters are more or less similar to the characters in the Na’vi of Avatar. Maybe the familiar feeling comes from here and I do not like this at all. It is equally coincident that the world of the Pearl is as beautiful as the Na’vi’s Pandora paradise.
Not only the Pearl people, shaping the two main characters also made me quite disappointed. Valerian (Dane DeHaan) is known as a “girl killer”, proud of himself smart, handsome but look pretty … foolish. He’s so stupid that you can not believe that he’s a good girl with a long list of “victims” who are looking for new co-workers. In contrast, Laureline (Cara Delevingne) is a hot girl or dress but the face is not very attractive. I personally feel that the two main characters have something wrong that can not explain. The two characters themselves did not create good interaction for the film. Their acting was not exactly good.
Ignoring the two main characters, Bubble (Rihanna) is the character that makes me feel the most interesting. Her appearance and facial expressions are quite subtle, reflecting the spirit of the character. The talent show of this talented singer was as impressive as Valerian’s sincere compliment. Regrettably, this is just a supporting role and the appearance time is not much. Male actor veteran Clive Owen as General Arun Filitt the opposite, leaving no impression. I’m not impressed with the character, so I will not be able to list it to avoid revealing the movie to anyone who has not watched it.
The circuit led the content quite well, but in some places it made me feel a bit sparse, lacking something. I myself do not like the script, it is nothing new and simple. Compared to the previous films of this French director, it looks a bit poor. Even the future world of humanity in the film also has many familiarities from The Fifth Element, a film also made by Luc Besson. If you have ever seen this movie, you will easily recognize the cars flying between skyscrapers. Where there are sailing boats floating between the zero for the purpose of trade. This world is exactly the same in The Fifth Element. Even some old ideas from this film are re-used in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
Narrative Structure and Plot
Overview of the Plot
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” unfolds in a future where humanity has established contact with numerous alien civilizations. The film follows Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), two special operatives tasked with maintaining order across the galaxy. The central plot revolves around their mission to investigate a mysterious force that threatens the peace and stability of Alpha, the titular “City of a Thousand Planets,” a colossal space station that serves as a melting pot of cultures and species.
The narrative begins with a flashback to the 1970s, showcasing the establishment of Alpha and the first contact between humans and aliens. Fast forward to the present, Alpha has grown into a sprawling metropolis teeming with diverse life forms. The film’s plot thickens when Valerian and Laureline are assigned to recover a stolen item of immense power, which leads them into a labyrinthine conspiracy that puts the entire city at risk.
Pacing and Storytelling
The film’s pacing is a mixed bag. The first act is a whirlwind of exposition and world-building, which, while visually stunning, can be overwhelming. The rapid introduction of characters, alien species, and plot elements requires viewers to stay alert. The middle section of the film slows down as the protagonists delve deeper into their mission, allowing for character development and deeper exploration of the central mystery. The final act ramps up the action and suspense, culminating in a dramatic showdown that ties together the various plot threads.
Besson’s storytelling is ambitious, but it sometimes suffers from an overload of information. The film’s intricate world-building, while impressive, occasionally detracts from the narrative’s coherence. The numerous subplots and characters can be confusing, and the film’s attempt to balance epic scale with personal stakes sometimes results in a disjointed experience.
Characters and Performances
Valerian (Dane DeHaan)
Dane DeHaan plays Valerian, the film’s titular hero. Valerian is a charming yet somewhat aloof character, whose cocky demeanor masks a deep-seated sense of responsibility. DeHaan’s performance is nuanced, but he often struggles to convey the depth of Valerian’s character. The actor’s portrayal is overshadowed by the film’s visual spectacle, and his character’s emotional arc sometimes feels underdeveloped.
Laureline (Cara Delevingne)
Cara Delevingne’s Laureline is a strong and independent character who balances Valerian’s bravado with her own sense of duty. Delevingne delivers a solid performance, bringing warmth and relatability to her role. Laureline’s character is well-written, with a clear sense of agency and purpose. Her dynamic with Valerian provides much of the film’s emotional core, and their chemistry, while uneven at times, adds depth to the narrative.
Supporting Characters
The film boasts a diverse array of supporting characters, including a range of alien species and secondary characters. Notable performances include Clive Owen as Commander Arun Filitt, who serves as a key figure in the film’s plot. Owen’s portrayal is authoritative but lacks the complexity needed to make his character truly memorable.
Rihanna also makes a notable appearance as Bubble, a shape-shifting alien with a significant role in the story. Her performance is both whimsical and poignant, adding a layer of emotional depth to the film’s narrative. Bubble’s unique abilities and her connection with Valerian and Laureline contribute to some of the film’s most memorable moments.
Visual Design and Special Effects
World-Building and Aesthetics
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its visual design. “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is a visual spectacle, showcasing a vibrant and imaginative universe. The design of Alpha, the City of a Thousand Planets, is particularly impressive, with its sprawling architecture, diverse alien cultures, and intricate details.
The film’s aesthetic draws heavily from the original comic series, blending futuristic technology with fantastical elements. The various alien species are creatively designed, each with their own unique characteristics and visual flair. The film’s use of color and lighting enhances its otherworldly atmosphere, creating a visually captivating experience.
Special Effects and Action Sequences
The special effects in “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” are a major highlight. The film employs cutting-edge CGI to bring its fantastical world to life. The action sequences are dynamic and well-executed, with impressive choreography and visual effects that make the battles and chase scenes exciting and immersive.
However, the film’s reliance on CGI sometimes leads to a lack of tangible realism. The overuse of digital effects can make certain scenes feel detached from the physical world, reducing the impact of some key moments. Despite this, the overall visual presentation is a testament to the film’s ambitious scope and creativity.
Themes and Symbolism
Exploration of Identity and Diversity
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” explores themes of identity and diversity through its depiction of the City of a Thousand Planets. The film’s portrayal of a multicultural metropolis reflects the importance of inclusivity and understanding in a diverse society. The interactions between different alien species and cultures highlight the film’s message about the value of cooperation and mutual respect.
The characters’ journeys also touch on themes of personal identity and growth. Valerian and Laureline’s evolving relationship and their individual struggles reflect broader themes of self-discovery and partnership. The film’s narrative encourages viewers to reflect on their own identity and the ways in which they relate to others.
The Hero’s Journey and Classic Tropes
The film’s plot follows a classic hero’s journey structure, with Valerian and Laureline embarking on a quest that tests their abilities and strengthens their bond. The narrative incorporates familiar tropes from the science fiction genre, such as the rogue hero, the enigmatic mentor, and the hidden villain.
While the use of these tropes provides a sense of familiarity, it also contributes to some of the film’s predictability. The adherence to classic storytelling conventions can make certain plot developments feel formulaic. However, the film’s execution of these tropes is generally effective, and the familiar narrative elements are presented with enough originality to keep the story engaging.
Reception and Impact
Critical Response
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” received mixed reviews from critics. The film’s visual splendor and imaginative world-building were widely praised, with many noting that it represented a significant achievement in science fiction cinema. However, the film’s narrative complexity and pacing issues received criticism, with some reviewers finding the plot convoluted and the character development lacking.
The film’s reception was also influenced by its box office performance. Despite its impressive visual effects and ambitious scope, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” struggled to find a broad audience and did not achieve the commercial success that had been anticipated. This mixed reception has sparked discussions about the challenges of balancing spectacle with substance in large-scale science fiction productions.
Cultural Impact
Despite its mixed critical response, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” has had a notable impact on the science fiction genre. The film’s innovative visual design and ambitious storytelling have been recognized as contributions to the evolution of space opera cinema. Its emphasis on world-building and imaginative design has influenced other filmmakers and has contributed to a renewed interest in the genre.
The film’s adaptation of the classic French comic series also highlights the global nature of contemporary cinema. By bringing a beloved European comic to a global audience, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” underscores the growing trend of cross-cultural storytelling in film.
Conclusion
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is a visually stunning and ambitious science fiction film that showcases the creative vision of Luc Besson. Its vibrant depiction of a diverse and imaginative universe, coupled with its dynamic action sequences, makes it a noteworthy entry in the genre. However, the film’s complex narrative and reliance on CGI can sometimes detract from its overall impact.
The film’s exploration of themes such as identity, diversity, and the hero’s journey adds depth to its narrative, and its influence on the science fiction genre is evident. Despite its mixed reception, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” remains a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring appeal of space opera.
For fans of science fiction and those who appreciate imaginative world-building, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” offers an engaging and visually captivating experience. While it may not be a flawless masterpiece, its ambition and creativity make it a memorable addition to the genre, and its impact on contemporary cinema is undeniable.