Peter Carter (Niven) is flying back to Britain in a damaged plane after a bombing raid when, facing inevitable death, he radios his final position to an American radio operator (Kim Hunter), with whom he immediately falls in love. However, when he later staggers from the sea very much alive, Carter is confronted by an emissary from heaven (Marius Goring) who informs him that his survival is due to a clerical error, and he must report to heaven right away. A celestial court then convenes to determine whether Carter is allowed a second chance at life and love. 

An utterly unique classic, A Matter of Life and Death is a film bursting with sensational flourishes and highlights Powell and Pressburger’s knack for layering breathtaking visual tricks on top of timeless themes.