City of Angels 1998
Directed by
Brad Silberling
Made by
Warner Bros. Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of City of Angels (1998). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In Los Angeles, a mechanic named Ashe Corven and his young son, Danny, fall victim to the ruthless drug kingpin, Judah Earl. Their tragic end comes after they witness a brutal murder committed by Judah’s gang. The two are subsequently disposed of in the sea.
Years later, Sarah—the character from the first film—has transformed into an adult who spends her days working in a tattoo parlor while she immerses herself in the creation of surreal artwork exploring themes of death and resurrection in her private space. Disturbing dreams of Ashe and Danny plague her, particularly after she contemplates a ring given to her by Eric Draven long ago.
On All Saints’ Day, Sarah is drawn by a crow to the harbor, where she witnesses the astonishing resurrection of Ashe from his watery grave. She brings him to her home, explaining the harsh truth of his death. Overcome with confusion, Ashe frantically escapes into the night, returning to confront the haunting memories of his last moments.
As Ashe grapples with his resurrection, Sarah reveals that he has been brought back to seek vengeance on those responsible for their deaths. With the crow as his guide, Ashe embarks on a deadly quest, methodically hunting down Judah’s henchmen. His first target is Spider-Monkey, a low-life situated in a drug-filled warehouse, where Ashe extracts critical information before destroying the building in an explosion.
Next, he finds Nemo hiding in a peeping booth and executes him in a macabre fashion, leaving behind a doll and a paper crow. Judah, aware of Ashe’s powers and his connection to Sarah, employs a blind prophetess named Sybil to manipulate the situation. To lure Ashe out, Judah captures Sarah, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation.
In a climactic face-off with Kali, Ashe discovers she was responsible for Danny’s death. Blinded by rage, he throws her against a wall, injuring her before sending her flying out of a window in a burst of crow-shaped blood.
The ensuing motorcycle chase against Judah’s right-hand man, Curve, is intense. Ashe gains the upper hand, dragging Curve to his doom in a river as onlookers scatter flower petals in a poignant display.
As the Day of the Dead festival nears, Judah captures the crow, killing it to siphon Ashe’s powers. This act of treachery leaves Ashe vulnerable, nearly succumbing to despair. However, a vision of Danny inspires him to continue fighting, leading to an ultimate showdown in Judah’s hideout at an abandoned church.
In the heated battle, Ashe is overpowered by Judah, who prepares to hang him. However, Sarah intervenes, heroically stabbing Judah to save Ashe. Tragically, as Judah retaliates and fatally wounds Sarah, Ashe harnesses his final strength against Judah, ultimately calling upon a murder of crows that exacts a gruesome revenge on the kingpin.
In a heart-wrenching conclusion, Ashe cradles the dying Sarah, their moment mirroring one of her previously painted works. Ashe embraces his fate, knowing he will finally find peace alongside Sarah and Danny in death.
Timeline
Track the key events of City of Angels (1998) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ashe and Danny's Tragic Fate
In Los Angeles, a mechanic named Ashe Corven and his young son, Danny, become victims of drug kingpin Judah Earl. Their lives are cut short after they witness a brutal murder, leading to their disposal in the sea, marking a tragic beginning to the story.
Sarah's Transformation
Years later, Sarah, the character from the first film, has grown into an adult who works in a tattoo parlor. She immerses herself in creating surreal artwork that explores themes of death and resurrection, all while grappling with disturbing dreams of Ashe and Danny.
The Crow's Arrival
On All Saints' Day, Sarah is mysteriously drawn to the harbor by a crow. She witnesses Ashe's astonishing resurrection from his watery grave, bringing him home and revealing the heartbreaking truth of his death.
Ashe's Confusion
Upon resurrection, Ashe is overwhelmed with confusion and escapes into the night. He is haunted by memories of his tragic end, searching for answers and clarity about his return to the living.
The Quest for Vengeance Begins
Sarah informs Ashe that he has returned to seek vengeance on those who killed him and Danny. Guided by the crow, Ashe embarks on a deadly quest, starting his mission to eliminate Judah's henchmen one by one.
First Target: Spider-Monkey
Ashe’s first target is Spider-Monkey, a low-life hiding in a drug warehouse. After extracting vital information, Ashe destroys the building in a fiery explosion, showcasing his newfound powers and setting the tone for his vengeful journey.
The Execution of Nemo
Next, Ashe tracks down Nemo, who is hiding in a peeping booth. He executes Nemo in a grotesque manner, leaving behind a doll and a paper crow as his calling card, further solidifying his return as a vengeful spirit.
Judah's Manipulation
Aware of Ashe's resurrection and his connection to Sarah, Judah employs a blind prophetess named Sybil to manipulate events. Judah captures Sarah to lure Ashe into a deadly confrontation, escalating the stakes in their bitter rivalry.
Confrontation with Kali
In a climactic moment, Ashe confronts Kali, discovering she played a role in Danny's death. Overcome with rage, he throws her into a wall, showcasing his fury and the weight of the vengeance he carries.
Motorcycle Chase with Curve
Ashe finds himself in an intense motorcycle chase with Judah's right-hand man, Curve. In a decisive moment, Ashe drags Curve to his demise in a river, showcasing both his skills and the deadly consequences of their ruthless criminal life.
Judah's Treachery
As the Day of the Dead festival approaches, Judah captures and kills the crow, aiming to siphon Ashe's powers. This brutal act leaves Ashe vulnerable and despondent, pushing him to the brink of despair.
A Vision of Danny
In his lowest moment, Ashe receives a vision of Danny, reigniting his determination to fight. Inspired, he prepares for the ultimate showdown at Judah's hideout, an abandoned church, where he must face his formidable enemy.
The Climactic Battle
In the heat of battle, Ashe struggles against Judah, who prepares to hang him. Just when hope seems lost, Sarah intervenes and stabs Judah, showcasing her bravery, but the victory is short-lived as Judah retaliates and fatally wounds her.
Ashe's Final Stand
Despite his heartbreak over Sarah's fate, Ashe gathers his final strength to confront Judah. In a powerful moment, he calls upon a murder of crows, exacting gruesome revenge on Judah, fulfilling his mission of vengeance.
A Heart-Wrenching Conclusion
As the dust settles, Ashe cradles the dying Sarah in a poignant moment that mirrors her past artwork. Embracing his fate, Ashe finds solace in knowing he will be reunited with Sarah and Danny in death, completing their tragic story.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring City of Angels (1998) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ashe Corven (Nicolas Cage)
Ashe Corven is a mechanic whose life is irrevocably changed by tragedy and resurrection. Haunted by the memory of his dead son and his own violent end, Ashe navigates his second chance at life with a fierce determination for vengeance. His character oscillates between moments of confusion and unrelenting rage, showcasing the complexities of grief and the desire for justice.
Sarah
Sarah is a talented artist who uses her creativity to navigate her grief while grappling with disturbing dreams of Ashe and Danny. Her character represents resilience as she transforms her pain into surreal artwork. Drawn by a mystical crow, she ultimately plays a pivotal role in Ashe's resurrection and quest for vengeance, highlighting her courage to confront the past.
Judah Earl
Judah Earl serves as the ruthless antagonist of the film, a drug kingpin whose brutal actions lead to the tragic demise of Ashe and his son. His character embodies corruption and malice as he goes to great lengths to maintain his power. Judah's interactions with Ashe culminate in intense confrontations, positioning him as a central figure in Ashe's journey of revenge.
Setting
Uncover the settings of City of Angels (1998), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Modern Day, Day of the Dead
The movie unfolds in the modern era, with themes rooted in the spiritual and cultural significance of the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition honoring deceased loved ones. The narrative explores the duality of life and death in contemporary society, where individuals confront their pasts to find closure and justice.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, often referred to simply as L.A., is a sprawling city in Southern California known for its entertainment industry, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the city harbors diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor. The harbor serves as a contrasting backdrop, symbolizing both loss and resurrection in the narrative.
Themes
Explore the core themes of City of Angels (1998). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Death & Resurrection
Death and resurrection are central themes, presented through Ashe's miraculous return to life and his quest for vengeance. Ashe's journey embodies the struggle between life and death, revealing the pain of lost loved ones while also emphasizing the importance of closure and redemption. Sarah, haunted by dreams of Ashe and Danny, reflects the emotional scars caused by past traumas.
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Vengeance
Vengeance drives Ashe’s actions as he confronts those who took away his family and robbed him of his life. The narrative emphasizes the brutal cost of revenge, illustrating the cycle of violence and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. Ultimately, Ashe’s pursuit of vengeance leads to personal sacrifice and profound loss.
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Love & Loss
The themes of love and loss resonate deeply throughout the film, depicted through Ashe’s connection to Sarah and their shared past. Their relationship embodies a blend of longing and heartbreak, highlighting the struggles of moving on from grief. Ashe's love for his son Danny further intensifies his motivations, intertwining personal tragedy with his quest for justice.
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