Matter of Life and Death, A1946

Director
Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

Acters

David Niven (Peter Carter)
Kim Hunter (June)
Robert Coote (Bob Trubshaw)
Kathleen Byron (An Angel)
Richard Attenborough (An English Pilot)
Bonar Colleano (An American Pilot)

A British wartime aviator who cheats death must argue for his life before a celestial court, hoping to prolong his fledgling romance with an American girl.
Squadron Leader Peter Carter is alone in a blazing plane. As he prepares himself for death he confides his innermost secrets to a radio operator. After jumping out of the plane he miraculously survives, meets the woman he spoke to and they fall in love.
Although he appears to be unhurt, he has in fact suffered severe concussion which is accompanied by a series of strange hallucinations. During a brain operation, he meets characters from another world, and whilst he undergoes this dangerous operation, his spirit is put on trial. The verdict will decide whether he will live or die.
„It’s basically an intellectual battle, held in an amphitheatre as large as a galaxy, about the right to life and the inherent tensions in US-UK political relations. In other words, essential viewing.“ – Times (UK)
„(U)tterly unique, enduringly rich and strange romantic fantasia…“ – Guardian
„Beautifully directed, designed, photographed and acted, it is a must-see for both classic and contemporary film buffs.“ – Movie Dearest