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City of Tiny Lights

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City of Tiny Lights

2016

1h 50m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

61%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

39%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

In modern-day London, a private investigator becomes entangled in the world of religious fanaticism and political intrigue while investigating a missing persons case.

Barry Hertz

Globe and Mail

Travis's noir is entirely watchable, but it's only because of to Ahmed's captivating presence.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jun 2, 2017

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Radheyan Simonpillai

NOW Toronto

Ahmed gives a stellar, attentive performance, his eyes darting about to catch the details in every scene. It's easy to miss the meticulousness of his work in a film with excessive stylistic tics.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 1, 2017

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Patrick Smith

Daily Telegraph (UK)

A decent vehicle for Ahmed to show why he's considered one of Britain's most interesting young stars.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 9, 2017

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Carolyn Mauricette

Cinema Axis

See City of Tiny Lights for what it does right: updating a classic film style with a person of colour as the lead in a racially diverse setting.

May 16, 2019

Full Review

Tori Brazier

One Room With A View

An uneven but wholehearted effort to honour both contemporary London and film noir. A great ensemble makes light work of the staid script...

Rated: 3/5

Mar 5, 2019

Full Review

Alexa Dalby

Dog and Wolf

The contemporary London twist gives the genre a shot of adrenaline and a watchable character in Tommy who would merit being seen in more adventures.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 19, 2018

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steve d

Wastes a talented cast of a script that isn't good enough.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Um bom drama, faltou algo que nos envolvesse, mas é agradável de acompanhar, crime, flashbacks das amizades e traições do passado, que consigo traz o peso da culpa, carregada a anos… E um bom desfecho, quando tudo se ajeita, após anos conturbados… "Não exatamente uma família feliz, nunca é, mas deixamos os fantasmas descansarem..."

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

Ethan T

I would love to see more London noir, but this one comes across as cheap and malformed, propped up completely by a game Riz Ahmed. The few action scenes have some incomprehensible shots and usage of slow motion that makes them seem he work of an amateur. Piper as a supporter is alright, but not particularly interesting. The incessant flashbacks concerning their relationship that break up the main storyline repeatedly become wearisome and unneeded. The mystery itself has potential, but more care is put into adding depth to Tommy's character, surroundings, and situation and the events only circumstantial to his own personal journey. One feels that the noir tone's potential could have been exacted with stronger detail in the detective's case than his personal life and history. Also, what is Alexander Siddig doing here?!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/07/21

Full Review

Audience Member

Riz Ahmed is the standout in this grimy yet stylish neo noir that is let down by some dodgy camerawork and an uninteresting story.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

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Audience Member

The movie is layered on many levels, loose ends. But this is what is intriguing, in spite of imperfect direction.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

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Audience Member

Gritty thriller with a strong performance from Riz Ahmed.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

Full Review

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Pete Travis

Director

Riz Ahmed

Tommy Akhtar

Billie Piper

Shelley

James Krishna Floyd

Lovely

Cush Jumbo

Melody

Roshan Seth

Farzad Akhtar

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Synopsis

In modern-day London, a private investigator becomes entangled in the world of religious fanaticism and political intrigue while investigating a missing persons case.

Director: Pete Travis
Producer: Rebecca O'Brien, Ado Yoshizaki Cassuto
Screenwriter: Patrick Neate
Production Co: BBC Films, Sixteen Films
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 27, 2017
Runtime: 1h 50m