VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS (2017) Movie Review

Philippians 2:2 says, "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." -NLT

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a fantastic film that centers around a singular and powerful theme: UNITY . Alpha, the City of a Thousand Planets, is a haven in space for all manner of species to unite. They live in peace, they work together, and they share technology and knowledge. It brings hope throughout the universe.

Unfortunately, one world slips through the cracks. These beings call Pearls live very simple lives, but they live in profound peace and unity. They are void of violence and war. They devote themselves to their work by harvesting a source of maximum energy. These energy pearls would be an invaluable resource to share with the universe.

Instead, they are overlooked and disregarded. Their planet is needlessly destroyed by a general who cared more about saving face than taking responsibility. Countless lives are lost. Their invaluable resource is nearly wiped out of existence. One of those lost lives is the princess of the Pearls who is able to transfer her spirit into Valerian. She subtly guides him through his mission in order to save her planet and her people. She helps improve his relationship with his partner. Her insight as both a Pearl and a woman gives Valerian the empathy necessary to save an entire planet and species.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." -NLT

Alpha bears all the appearances of a beacon of unity, but it cannot be as long as it carries such a dark secret within its core. Only when the secret surfaces and Alpha can make amends can the Pearls be restored to their world. Only when Valerian accepts the love and compassion within him does he become a hero. Only when the Pearls let go of anger and offer forgiveness do they find the peace and prosperity they once had.

Let Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets be a proper lesson of peace, unity, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.