A drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times, set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s.A drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times, set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s.A drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times, set in an English coastal town in the early 1980s.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 39 nominations total
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe actual Dreamland cinema in Margate (which stood in for the Empire cinema in this film) was opened in 1923. It changed hands several times during its lifetime and finally closed for good in 2007. It still stands, although empty, because it is a listed building and so cannot be demolished without parliamentary approval. The block of flats where Steven lives with his mother is not an optical effect: it is really is that close to the building (with Margate railway station being just 100 yards up the road).
- GoofsDuring a scene that takes place in 1981, Janine mentions she heard about a song from SPIN magazine. Spin magazine was not founded until 1985.
- Quotes
Stephen: Amazin'.
Norman: It is amazing. Because it's just static frames, with darkness in between. But there's a little flaw in your optic nerve so that if I run the film at 24 frames per second you don't see the darkness.
Stephen: Wow.
Norman: It's called the Phi Phenomenon. Viewing static images rapidly in succession crates an illusion of motion. Illusion of life.
- SoundtracksAsteroid - Pearl & Dean
Written & Performed by Pete Moore
Published by Sony Music Publishing
Courtesy of Pearl & Dean
Featured review
You're trapped inside a world of make believe, where people take their seats to be deceived, lose themselves in fantasy, reels conjure alchemy, this is no paradise or palace, that you perceive. Behind closed doors, torment and distress are at play, where advantages are taken day by day, but you plough your lonely furrow, cage the rage, the pain, the sorrow, then someone new arrives, projects a fresh pathway.
I spent two hours spellbound at the incredible Olivia Coleman, who takes you into the unstable world of Hilary in early 1980s Britain. More than ably supported by Michael Ward, the pair paint a picture of the challenges of the day, from different backgrounds and perspectives, that rollercoast your emotions to extremes. Great story, great direction and great performances - what more do you need from a film?
I spent two hours spellbound at the incredible Olivia Coleman, who takes you into the unstable world of Hilary in early 1980s Britain. More than ably supported by Michael Ward, the pair paint a picture of the challenges of the day, from different backgrounds and perspectives, that rollercoast your emotions to extremes. Great story, great direction and great performances - what more do you need from a film?
- How long is Empire of Light?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Imperio de luz
- Filming locations
- Dreamland Cinema, 52 Marine Terrace, Margate CT9 1XP, UK(exterior scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $1,177,577
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $163,405
- Dec 11, 2022
- Gross worldwide
- $11,395,604
- Runtime1 hour 55 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content