Empire of Light: Touching drama from Academy Award winner Sam Mendes about human connection and the magic of cinema.
Plot and background
In an English seaside village in the early 1980s, there is a beautiful, somewhat aging cinema called “The Empire”. For the staff*, an endearing mix of quirky and lovable characters, the workplace is both home and family. Hilary (Olivia Colman), returns to the Empire after a long absence, but the once bright employee seems absent and much more introverted than before. She routinely goes about her work, quietly putting up with harassment and abuse from her boss (Colin Firth). When charismatic young Stephen (Michael Ward) begins his career at Empire, the two are quickly drawn to each other, the turning point the two misfits have waited so long for. But they can’t run from reality forever, which eventually leads to an abrupt departure.
The official trailer shows first glimpses of the moving screen spectacle:
“Empire of Light” – background, cast, theatrical release
Oscar® winner Sam Mendes (“James Bond 007: Spectre”) brings to the big screen “Empire of Light,” a heartwarming love story about the human need for cohesion in turbulent times and the magic of cinema. The drama is arguably the director’s most personal film to date, creating a poignant tribute to his youth in early 1980s England. Cinematographer and Oscar winner Roger Deakins (“James Bond 007: Spectre”) is responsible for the powerful images.
But the film also shines in front of the camera with a top-class cast. In the leading roles, Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Crown”) and BAFTA winner Micheal Ward (“Beauty”) play the heartwarming portrayal of an unexpected love story. In other roles, Tom Brooke (“Say Your Prayers”), Tanya Moodie (“Star Wars – Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker”), Crystal Clarke (“The King’s Daughter”), Toby Jones (“Queen, King, Ace, Spy”) and Oscar winner Colin Firth (“The King’s Speech”) were in front of the camera.
After the moving drama was successfully screened at the Telluride Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and the London International Film Festival, “Empire of Light” will be released in cinemas in Germany on April 20, 2023.
