There are very few directors in today’s cinema like Luc Besson. The Parisian who brought us Leon: The Professional and The Fifth Element had a great career in 90s Hollywood, and since then, he has not stopped releasing genre gems that always end up among the most viewed and valued. In 2017, however, he exceeded all expectations with Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
The Besson film drew from the original Valerian and Laureline comics, which were used as a reference to create the first Star Wars films. And, despite not winning the audience favor or the box-office success it deserved, the film is one of the most enjoyable space operas of recent years; in Europe, it became a milestone as the most expensive European film in history. Now, you can see it for yourself, thanks to Amazon Prime Video.
The most expensive European film in history
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a visually stunning science-fiction film that offers a unique cinematic experience. From its innovative art directing to the VFX, the film is a visual delight that far surpasses much of what we’ve seen from Star Wars lately.
Besson creates, with Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, a rich and detailed universe with exotic planets, alien creatures, and futuristic technology. Each scene is filled with details that capture the imagination and transport the viewer to a completely new world.
In addition, the action appears in every scene. From high-speed chases to space battles, Valerian maintains a fast pace that ensures there’s never a dull moment. Beyond style, the film addresses classic science-fiction themes from a very innovative perspective. Looking past the mostly forgettable performances by the lead actors, the film is a delight worth watching at least once in a lifetime. Oh, and Rihanna makes an appearance.
