City of Ember facts for kids

City of Ember is an exciting science fiction adventure movie from 2008. It was directed by Gil Kenan and is based on the popular 2003 book The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. The film stars talented actors like Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway, Bill Murray, and Tim Robbins. It tells the story of a hidden city and two brave teenagers who try to save it.

What is the City of Ember?

The movie takes place in a special underground city called Ember. This city was built a long time ago to protect people from a disaster on the surface. The city is powered by a giant generator that has been working for over 200 years. The people of Ember have never seen the sun or the sky. They live in a world lit only by electric lights.

Life in Ember

Life in Ember is simple but challenging. The city's supplies are running low, and the generator is getting old. Blackouts, where the lights go out, are happening more often. This makes everyone worried about the future of their city.

Jobs in Ember

When young people in Ember turn 12, they have a special ceremony where they are given their jobs. These jobs are chosen by the Mayor, and they are meant to help the city survive. The main characters, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, get jobs that seem ordinary at first, but they soon lead to a big adventure.

Main Characters

The story of City of Ember follows two main characters who are determined to find a way out of their dying city.

Lina Mayfleet

Lina is a spirited and curious girl. She dreams of seeing what is beyond Ember. Her job is a "Messenger," which means she runs messages all over the city. This job helps her learn a lot about Ember and its secrets.

Doon Harrow

Doon is a clever and thoughtful boy. He is very good with machines and wants to fix the city's problems. His job is in the "Pipeworks," where he works with the city's pipes and the generator. This job gives him a chance to explore the hidden parts of Ember.

The Mystery of the Box

Lina's grandmother finds a mysterious metal box. It seems very old and important. Inside, Lina and Doon discover a set of strange instructions and a map. They realize these clues might lead to a way out of Ember.

Following the Clues

Working together, Lina and Doon try to understand the clues. They face many challenges, including dark tunnels, tricky puzzles, and even the city's Mayor, who doesn't want anyone to question the way things are. They learn about the "Builders" who created Ember and left behind a secret plan for the future.

The Secret Exit

The clues lead Lina and Doon on a thrilling journey through hidden passages and forgotten parts of the city. They discover that the Builders had a plan for the people of Ember to return to the surface when the time was right.

Themes in the Movie

City of Ember explores several important ideas that kids can relate to.

Hope and Discovery

The movie is all about hope, even when things look bleak. Lina and Doon never give up on finding a solution for their city. It shows how curiosity and a desire for discovery can lead to amazing things.

Teamwork and Friendship

Lina and Doon are very different, but they learn to work together. Their friendship is key to solving the mystery and helping each other through dangerous situations. It highlights the power of teamwork.

Environmental Message

The story also has a message about protecting our world. The people of Ember live underground because the surface became unsafe. It makes you think about how important it is to take care of our environment.

Production of the Film

The movie was made by several production companies, including Playtone and Walden Media. It was distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film's look and feel were designed to make Ember seem both amazing and a bit worn down.

Filming Locations

Much of the movie was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Large sets were built to create the detailed underground city of Ember, making it feel very real for the audience.

See also

Images for kids

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  A robot, like those imagined in future cities.