Cloud Atlas (2012)
Brief review: Adapted from David Mitchell's 2004 novel of the same name, "Cloud Atlas" is a high-end piece of cinema for thinking grown-ups as well as viewers with very high requirements. It's basically a hypothesis of reincarnation, mutual dependence between us people, how past lives can affect us in our current lifetime, and how we build our own future. This deeply meaningful multi-layered story takes place in six different time periods - past, present and future, and despite its complexity and seemingly complicated plot structure, it easily understandable, and flows smoothly and cohesively, thanks to the gripping narrative and competent editing. "Cloud Atlas" has it all - it has originality, it has substance, it has humor, it has action, it has interesting dynamics between the characters, and even a touch of romance. As expected from such visionary directors as the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer, "Cloud Atlas" is an outstandingly imaginative and visually-sumptuous film, shot in various locations, and featuring as many authentic period sequences as breathtaking futuristic ones, with those set in Neo Seoul deserving a special mention. Also, the three filmmakers seems to be working together in perfect harmony, as their co-direction is refined, polished, coherent and inventively brilliant. Arguably the best ensemble cast of the year all deliver a wide variety of performances as impressively colorful as the actors themselves.
Overall summary: Highly complex, yet never confusing, "Cloud Atlas" is a unique, thought-provoking, and often mind-bending masterpiece of modern philosophy, flawless storytelling, eye-popping visuals and wild imagination, and unlike anything you've experienced before.
6 comments:
Something about it still just doesn't make me want to see it. Not sure what, but something!
Alex, I also thought it was going to be some sort of pretentious mess, but oh boy, was I wrong!
Most staunch christians will take offense to the gay love story and the idea that souls can be reincarnated. I think that's what killed it at the box office. I however loved it.
Michaelm unfortunately you're right.
I'm so glad you loved it though. So did I. :)
I have been hearing really terrific things about this movie so I will definitely be checking it out. I was afraid it would have been another Tree of Life which left me feeling like I was missing something.
Stellar review! It's no wonder I miss you every time you don't write for a while. :)
Mel, I had some reservations about it as well, and I was prepared to be underwhelmed, but it turned out very understandable, yet deep, and even eye-opening at times. You should definitely check it out.
Thanks, sweetheart. Movies like this and awesome people like you inspire me and my writing the most. :)
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