City of Ember

When the human race was on the brink of destruction, they built an underground city, Ember, designed to last 200 years. But it is now much later than that, and the city is in a state of decay, with power running out. Two children, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, serendipitously find instructions left by the builders detailing how to leave the city. But their endeavour is threatened not only by the dangers of the way out, but also by uncooperative officials, who had much rather remain in the city.

“City of Ember” is most certainly an odd piece: it cannot be classified as either science-fiction, or fantasy, but is a definite mix of both. It is also not entirely futuristic, as the city meetings look medieval, and yet not devoid of technical devices. It is an escape room scenario, like “Cube” was, yet the room is so big that it contains an entire city.

This originality is strengthened by strong photography choices, which use the film medium to the fullest of its capacity, conveying meaning and feeling in every scene. The film is rich, and has its own very unique atmosphere, which makes the City of Ember look even more different from the "real" world under which it has been built.

Admittedly, the characters are slightly one-dimensional and the actors do not have much to act on; and yet they pull off the challenge remarkably well, and take us all on to a fantastic joyride out of the underground city.

“City of Ember” is probably the most original film in the fantasy/science-fiction genres since “Stardust” and should keep you entertained.

Pierre Schramm