
A Matter of Life and Death
dir. Emeric Pressburger
88
6 sourcesSynopsis
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.
Critics consensus
Stairway to Heaven is a ravishing, creative, and exciting fantasy.
What resonated with audiences
'A Matter of Life and Death' is a timeless masterpiece showcasing Powell and Pressburger's extraordinary directorial vision, with Jack Cardiff's stunning cinematography brilliantly alternating between Technicolor Earth scenes and black-and-white heaven sequences. The innovative visual techniques, enchanting romance, and superb performances—particularly David Niven and Roger Livesey—create a highly rewatchable classic. However, some note the film loses momentum after its strong first half, with later sections becoming tedious, while a few criticize rushed romantic development and top-heavy legal discussions.

Directed byEmeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
StarringDavid Niven, Kim Hunter, Roger Livesey, Marius Goring, Robert Coote, Kathleen Byron
Written byEmeric Pressburger, Michael Powell
CinematographyJack Cardiff
EditingReginald Mills
MusicAllan Gray
A Matter of Life and Death
1946 · PG · 1h 44m
Romance, Fantasy, Drama
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.
