Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- brooding
- atmospheric
- paranoid
- late night viewing
- moody weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film atmospheric and visually evocative but limited by an underdeveloped or thin dramatic payoff.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jimmy travels to Cambodia expecting a criminal payout but encounters an opaque and threatening landscape.
Jimmy suspects his long-time mentor Marvin has double-crossed him over the international scam.
The film is identified as neo-noir and its critical consensus specifically emphasizes its atmosphere.
Jimmy enters Cambodia to claim his promised cut from the failed scam, driving the investigation and movement through the underworld.
Films like City of Ghosts, and why
The American Friend
shared neo-noir atmosphere, morally compromised criminals, and international crime intrigue
The Tailor of Panama
shared expatriate criminal milieu, brooding tone, and fatalistic noir tension
The Limits of Control
shared atmospheric crime storytelling, alienated protagonists, and shadowy underworld dealings
Movie Details
- Director
- Matt Dillon
- Release Date
- 2002-09-10
- Runtime
- 116 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (97)
Cast
- Matt Dillon
- James Caan
- Natascha McElhone
- Gérard Depardieu
- Stellan Skarsgård
- Rose Byrne
- Shawn Andrews
- Christopher Curry
- Pok Panhavicyetr
- Leo Fitzpatrick
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is City of Ghosts about?
- A distrustful con man enters a treacherous Cambodian underworld to collect his share of a failed scam and uncover who betrayed him.
- What is City of Ghosts like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of City of Ghosts as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is City of Ghosts violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in City of Ghosts as moderate.
- What did critics think of City of Ghosts?
- Critics broadly found the film atmospheric and visually evocative but limited by an underdeveloped or thin dramatic payoff.
- Which films are like City of Ghosts?
- Films with a similar feel include The American Friend, The Tailor of Panama, and The Limits of Control.
- How long is City of Ghosts?
- City of Ghosts runs 116 minutes.
- Where can I watch City of Ghosts?
- In United States, City of Ghosts streams on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
