“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” directed by Luc Besson and released in 2017, is a visually stunning science fiction adventure based on the French comic series “Valérian and Laureline” by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières. The film stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, and Herbie Hancock. Set in the 28th century, the story unfolds in Alpha, a sprawling space metropolis known as the “City of a Thousand Planets,” which serves as a hub of intergalactic culture and cooperation. Alpha is a vibrant, ever-expanding space station that houses millions of beings from thousands of different species, all sharing their knowledge, culture, and resources.

Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories. They are tasked with maintaining order throughout the universe and safeguarding Alpha from various threats. Valerian is a brash and skilled agent with a penchant for bending the rules, while Laureline is his intelligent and no-nonsense partner who often has to rein in Valerian’s impulsive tendencies. The film begins with Valerian and Laureline embarking on a mission to retrieve a rare and valuable creature, a Converter from the planet Mül, believed to be extinct. This creature can replicate anything it consumes, making it highly sought after. The mission is complicated when Valerian experiences a mysterious vision of the destruction of Mül and its peaceful inhabitants. Upon returning to Alpha with the Converter, Valerian and Laureline are assigned to protect Commander Arun Filitt (Clive Owen), who is overseeing a high-stakes meeting regarding a mysterious dark force that is threatening the station’s core. As they delve deeper into the investigation, Valerian and Laureline uncover a conspiracy that threatens the entire galaxy. They discover that the dark force at Alpha’s center is linked to the planet Mül and the visions Valerian has been experiencing. Their journey takes them through the diverse and visually spectacular environments of Alpha, where they encounter a wide range of alien species and cultures. Along the way, they receive assistance from various characters, including the shape-shifting entertainer Bubble (Rihanna) and the eccentric Jolly the Pimp (Ethan Hawke).

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is renowned for its breathtaking visuals and imaginative world-building. Luc Besson’s direction brings to life the vivid and colorful universe of the source material, with cutting-edge special effects and creative set designs. The film’s aesthetics draw comparisons to Besson’s earlier sci-fi work, “The Fifth Element,” but with a modern, high-tech twist. The film explores themes of unity, cooperation, and the consequences of colonialism and warfare. The underlying message emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultures and working together for a common good. Through Valerian’s and Laureline’s journey, the film also touches on themes of redemption, love, and personal growth.

Despite its visual prowess and ambitious scope, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” received mixed reviews from critics. Praise was directed towards its stunning visual effects, creative set pieces, and the expansive, imaginative world it created. However, criticism was aimed at the film’s storyline, pacing, and the chemistry between the lead actors, with some finding the plot convoluted and the character development lacking. “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” stands out as a visually ambitious and imaginative sci-fi adventure that captures the essence of its comic book origins. While its narrative received mixed reactions, the film’s rich visuals and creative world-building offer an immersive experience that celebrates the diversity and wonder of its futuristic universe. Luc Besson’s passion for the material is evident in every frame, making it a notable entry in the genre for its sheer creativity and visual spectacle.