A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

by Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell.

The film tells the story of Squadron Leader Peter Carter (David Niven), who is attempting to pilot a damaged Lancaster bomber over the English Channel in 1945. Peter survives, due to the conductors from "The Other World" losing him by mistake. The missing of Peter starts all the matter. As one of the first glimpses of paradise on screen, the film depicts a dreamy paradise teeming with bureaucracy and paperwork, but still remarkably pleasant. However, contrary to the common image of a place full of light, the filmmakers left the scenes of paradise, or "the Other Place" in black and white. In order to make the transitions between Earth and the other world seamless, cinematographer Jack Cardiff created this idea. A valuable reference to set design during World War II can be found in the real-world scenes of the film. Something fascinating about it is that it maintains a grounded in reality quality that gives it emotional weight and prevents it from becoming a mere fad. A movie like this will open your heart to the wonders of the universe and the strength of human affection and togetherness.