'A Matter of Life and Death'- Angels

Peter Carter, a RAF pilot jumps without his parachute, yet because of a low fog across the channel, the angels miss him. In his extra day on earth he falls in love with June, so when an angel comes to take him back to heaven where he belongs he refuses to leave her and demands a re-trial.

Everything in colour is "our world" and everything in black and white is "heaven"
This was Powell and Pressburger's last movie of their war service. Made in 1946 it's about (among other things) survivior guilt and how to build a future after the war, as well as about the individuals' relationship to the state. It's a nigh on perfect film- it's inventive, different and never fails to absolutly devastate me every single time I watch it.

I think possibly the reason why I sob from beginning to end is because it reminds me of my grandparents, (who are still going strong after 64 years of marriage) and all their hopes and dreams for the future are them planning on building my world and my parents world, so i have a vested interest in the outcome of the trial. Watching in 2008 I can look back over the sixty or so years and see what they would be missing. Either that or im just a big sap :)

The song is 'Angels' by Robbie Williams. The film is 'A Matter of Life and Death' or 'Stairway to Heaven' if you're American.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Matter
• of
• Life
• and
• Death
• Angels
• Robbie
• Williams
• David
• Niven
• Kim
• Hunter
• Pressburger
• Attenborough
• Richard
• Powell
• stairway

[tobyruncorn2]

Superb. I am showing it to my theatre design class at the start of the lesson. I bet they will think that it was all made last recently. But 64 years ago.......If you loved this then go and watch The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp. Powell and Pressburger were way ahead of their time, as evidenced by this terrific vdo.

[Thebigbluemeany]

colonel blimp is great, but I personally adore The Red Shoes and Ill Met by Moonlight. Black Narcissus is their most modern film I think, I cant believe they made that film in 1947. All the Powell and Pressburger films are so special Im suprised they dont get more attention.

Matter of Life and Death is my favourite though- it's just staggeringly beautiful. The waking up on the beach scene is, in my opinion, the best thing ever shot.

[IFavorFire]

Beautiful video. I've never seen this film but I'll have to find and watch it now..it looks amazing.

[Thebigbluemeany]

you're in luck- it's now in the public domain. I'll post the url on your channel page :)

[Thebigbluemeany]

ah that might not have worked- I'll message you them instead

[snott64]

This is brilliant. I am a huge fan of David Niven, but have never seen this film ( it has never been seen on Australian TV). Thankyou for such a great clip. I am going to go nuts until I manage to see this film. Oh! , Robbie is great too

[Thebigbluemeany]

yes, the only thing better than David Niven is David Niven in an RAF uniform :) I believe that is true :)

[melmarinho]

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats I loved!

[fayfran]

I need a 'like' for Kirkwallboy's comment! Bravo!

[whovianfloovian]

WOW! I love this film... it looks so incredibly modern... beautiful tribute.

[kirkwallboy]

You complete and utter bastard! How dare you meld my favourite ever film with a stupid and pointless ancient song! You have created a thing of immortal beauty, by the way! Bah! It is brilliant.

[Carismystic]

This was the first film that my father Laurie Clarkson recorded the sound for. Every time I see this video it makes me cry as I remember my wonderful Dad.

[CoinofCourage]

Amazing editing! The beach parts of the music video for "Angels" were filmed on the same beach as the scene from "A Matter of Life and Death".

[blomjenny]

"But on earth nothing is stronger than love"

[jamesy1966]

WOW This is so lovely, brought a lump to my throat. A beautiful song and such a beautiful story.

[spinout3]

very well edited. i love this movie, one of the best movies ever made. goes great with the song.

[Herobelle]

Slightly naff song, perhaps, but it's so beautifully edited - the little snips of dialogue just make me well up :) Perfect tribute to a perfect film <3