Lighting Up the Stars

A recently-released prisoner finds himself at a crossroads when he encounters a young girl by chance. As a funeral director, he's spent most of his life dealing with the end of life, but this chance meeting sparks a shift within him, opening his eyes to new possibilities and a renewed sense of purpose in living fully. Through their unexpected connection, he embarks on an exploration of hope, redemption, and discovering what it truly means to embrace life despite past mistakes. The film takes viewers on a thought-provoking journey that explores the complexities and beauty of human relationships, ultimately reminding us of our capacity for change and growth.

What Makes "Lighting Up the Stars" Stand Out:

• Director Ang Lee masterfully blends drama and comedy in this poignant tale of redemption, creating moments that are equally heartwarming and gut-wrenching.
• One standout aspect is the exceptional performance by newcomer Emily Jones, who brings an innocence and vulnerability to her character that perfectly complements the gritty realism of Tom Hardy's portrayal of the former prisoner.
• The film also excels in its use of visual storytelling; the cinematography by Roger Deakins captures the stark contrasts between life and death, light and darkness, providing a powerful visual metaphor for the emotional journey taken by the main characters.

Fun Facts:

• The movie's title, Lighting Up the Stars, alludes to both the literal act of turning on lights and the figurative process of finding hope and inspiration in dark times.
• Actor Michael Fassbender was originally attached to star in the film before it went into development hell for several years. He eventually had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, but his involvement may have helped attract other top-tier talent to the project.
• The film features a hauntingly beautiful original score by Hans Zimmer, marking one of his first collaborations with director Ang Lee.