Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Overview

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a visually stunning science fiction epic directed by Luc Besson, adapted from the famous French comic book series "Valérian and Laureline." Released in 2017, the film went down in cinema history as one of the most expensive European productions of its time. In this film, we see Besson's original, colorful, and futuristic universe-building approach—first established with "The Fifth Element"—on a much grander scale. Starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne in the lead roles, the cast also includes Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, and Belgian actor Jonas Bloquet. Bloquet brings an important supporting character to life, contributing to the story's military and political layer.

The film centers on Alpha, a massive space station where thousands of different species and civilizations live together in peace. This station is portrayed as humanity's greatest achievement in space, while also becoming the heart of a complex ecosystem and a mysterious threat. Besson's visual imagination brings the comic's aesthetic to the screen, drawing the viewer into an unusual universe.

Plot

The story is set in the 28th century and centers on two special agents, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), whose mission is to protect interplanetary order. When the duo begins investigating a mysterious threat emerging on the Alpha space station, they find themselves caught up in an unexpected conspiracy and the secret of a lost civilization. In the process, they must work closely with the commander responsible for the station's security—a character who plays an important role in representing the story's military authority.

Valerian and Laureline's mission is not merely about solving a crime; it also encompasses grand themes such as universal balance, ecological catastrophe, and the legacy of a forgotten people. Throughout the film, as the duo encounters creatures from different planets, dangerous marketplaces, and intricate political intrigue, the personal dynamic between them forms the emotional backbone of the story. Action-packed sequences, mysterious discoveries, and highly imaginative space environments are the fundamental building blocks of the narrative.

Why Watch It?

Valerian is a production that first and foremost stands out for its visual effects and art direction. Luc Besson succeeds in bringing the imagination of the comic book to the big screen as faithfully as possible. The design of the Alpha station and the scenes depicting different species and cultures coexisting offer viewers an unusual science fiction experience. In particular, the film's opening sequence—a musical montage narrating Alpha's history—has become one of the most memorable scenes in cinema history.

The film blends classic science fiction elements (space travel, different civilizations, technological wonders) with a modern visual language, offering viewers what is essentially a visual feast. The action sequences are supported by dynamic editing and creative ideas such as the interdimensional chase sequence. Additionally, the film's ecological message and the tragedy of lost civilizations present a narrative that attempts to go beyond being merely a superficial action film.

Jonas Bloquet's performance is also one of the elements that strengthens the film's military-political undertones. The character's presence places the main duo's mission in a more complex context and contributes to the story's authority-obedience dynamics.

Who Is It For?

This film is ideal primarily for science fiction fans who are interested in visual effects and futuristic universes. Those who enjoy stories originating from comic books will take pleasure in seeing how the aesthetic of the original source material has been translated to the screen. Additionally, fans of Besson productions like "The Fifth Element" will find a similarly colorful and absurd approach to universe-building here.

Suitable for young adult and family audiences as well, the film appeals to a wider audience since it doesn't contain excessive violence or dark themes. However, for viewers seeking simpler, more logically coherent stories rather than complex science fiction narratives, some parts of the film may feel scattered. For viewers who prioritize visual aesthetics and seek an experience rather than narrative depth, this film will be quite satisfying.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Tremendous visual effects and creative art direction offer viewers a unique universe.

2. The design of the Alpha station and the opening sequence are among the most memorable visual moments in cinema history.

3. The extensive cast, including Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, and Jonas Bloquet, contributes to the story with diverse character dynamics.

Cons:

1. The screenplay feels scattered at points, and character development can get overshadowed by the visual spectacle.

2. The chemistry between the lead actors was found lacking by some critics.

Genre and Tone

The film has a colorful and fantastical tone that blends science fiction with action and adventure elements. Besson's signature absurd-comic moments coexist with serious, dramatic themes. Tonal shifts can sometimes be abrupt; one scene features a fun chase, while another shows the tragic consequences of ecological destruction. This mixed structure sets the film apart from a classic science fiction epic, giving it more the atmosphere of a visual fairy tale.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The film runs approximately 137 minutes. Given the dense visual content and the numerous different universes/species introduced, this runtime flows quite smoothly. Watching it on a big screen, ideally in a high-resolution presentation, will allow full appreciation of the visual details and color palette. When watching at home, paying attention to sound and picture quality will significantly enhance the experience.

Similar Productions

• The Fifth Element (1997)

• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

• Jupiter Ascending (2015)

• John Carter (2012)

• Mortal Engines (2018)

• Alita: Battle Angel (2019)

Final Assessment

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a bold and imaginative science fiction production that offers moviegoers a visual feast. Luc Besson's mastery of world-building stands out as the film's greatest strength, while certain shortcomings in the screenplay and character depth are noticeable. The performances of supporting characters like Jonas Bloquet contribute to the overall texture of the story, keeping the film from being merely about the two lead actors. Offering a satisfying experience for viewers who prioritize visual aesthetics and are open to different and colorful universes, this film remains memorable as one of science fiction cinema's bold experiments.