Added to Prime Video on Sunday, Feb 4, 2024 Leaving Las Vegas, a film that explores the depths of despair and the fragility of human connections, tells the story of Ben Sanderson, a screenwriter destroyed by alcoholism. Deciding to end his life in Las Vegas by drinking himself to death, Ben’s path crosses with Sera, a kind-hearted prostitute. Their relationship, marked by a pact of non-interference in each other’s destructive habits, evolves into a complex bond that offers a glimpse of salvation for both. The film navigates the themes of self-destruction, companionship, and the search for meaning amidst personal turmoil, without offering easy resolutions or moral judgments on its characters’ choices.
Length: 1h 51m
Genre: Drama, Romance
This Title is: Intense, Emotional, Gritty
Leaving Las Vegas is New on Prime Video in Canada!
Trailer
Cast
- Nicolas Cage as Ben Sanderson
- Elisabeth Shue as Sera
- Julian Sands as Yuri
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R
Content warnings include strong themes of alcoholism, adult content, language, and some violence.
Trivia
- Nicolas Cage won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this movie.
- The film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by John O’Brien.
- Director Mike Figgis composed the film’s score, which received critical acclaim.
Our Review
- Quality:
- Acting:
- Storyline:
- Visuals:
- Entertainment:
Leaving Las Vegas is a powerful, albeit harrowing, portrayal of loneliness and addiction. Nicolas Cage delivers a career-defining performance, fully embodying the despair and destructiveness of his character, while Elisabeth Shue provides a compelling counterpart. The film’s unflinching look at alcoholism and its impact is both moving and distressing. Despite its heavy themes, the movie’s craftsmanship, particularly in direction and score, offers a memorable cinematic experience. However, its bleak outlook and intense subject matter may not be for everyone, making it a film more appreciated for its artistic value than its entertainment quotient.
Critic Scores
Leaving Las Vegas has received a Great Review by the critics
