The City of Ember Movie Review

Based on a book by: Jeanne DuPrau

When the world faced complete destruction, a group of builders created an underground city called Ember. There, they hid a few hundred people from the dangerous outside world, hoping to save the human race. The builders provided food and supplies to last 200 years. And to the Mayor of Ember, they gave an important box—one that would unlock in 200 years revealing instructions on how to leave the city.

Dying City

But instead of being passed down from Mayor to Mayor, the box went missing. Now over 200 years have passed and Ember is slowly falling apart. Stockpiles of food and supplies are running low, and the lamps that bring daylight to the city are flickering.

Assignment Day

On assignment day, all the 12 year-olds receive their appointed professions. Doon Harrow becomes a pipeworker, letting him get close the generator that powers the city. He’s determined to fix it, if only he can find a way inside. Doon’s friend, Lina Mayfleet, becomes a messenger. She delivers a suspicious message to the Mayor and discovers his corrupt plan—while the people of Ember face starvation, the Mayor is secretly stockpiling food for himself!

Ancient Message

As city blackouts start happening more often, Lina discovers something in her closet: an old box that she’d seen the past Mayors holding in their portraits in City Hall. Inside she finds the remains of an ancient message—instructions on how to escape Ember! Together, Lina and Doon search for the way out of their dying city. Can they piece together the instructions before the lights go out forever?

The Bottom Line

Just like the unforgettable book by Jeanne DuPrau, The City of Ember movie is a thrilling adventure. The constant threat of blackouts makes every minute of the film a heart-pumping adrenaline ride. This movie didn’t receive half the publicity it deserved. Saorise Ronan (from Atonement) stars as the courageous Lina, while Harry Treadway co-stars as the determined Doon. Together they make the perfect team, risking their lives to save their dying city.

The City of Ember Rating:

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