Cloud Atlas

A tad confusing in the beginning but carefully relating the web of significant key characters, this drama-mystery-sci-fi-fantasy film with an estimated budget of $100 million USD, loads of special effects, make-up and extraordinary actors delivered every element of an effective and stirring story. With a talented team sharing writing and directing credits 2012’s ‘Cloud Atlas’ seems stronger than ever!

Based on a 2004 novel, ‘Cloud Atlas’ written by English David Mitchell and the screenplay adaptation and directing were done by Chicago siblings Lana and Andy Wachowski whom you may remember from ‘The Matrix’ as well as German Tom Tykwer whom you may recall from ‘Run Lola Run’ solidified this past-present-future masterpiece. Together with a band of actors that were exciting to identify throughout different time-periods this story tells how everything and everyone are connected and how each life impacts another.

Oscar winner Tom Hanks, Oscar winner Halle Berry, Golden Globe winner Hugh Grant, the handsome English Jim Sturgess whom you may remember from ‘Across the Universe’, bright-eyed South-Korean actress Doona Bae, Nigerian-born but British/Australian Hugo Weaving whom you may remember from ‘The Matrix’, the comical and charming English Jim Broadbent, Keith David, Susan Sarandon and English David Gyasi, just to name a few of recurring and moving characters within this never-ending story.

Rated R for violence, language, sexuality/nudity this film is not for the young or faint-hearted. Jam-packed with adventure, action, eternal romance and a remarkable soundtrack it is thought-provoking and stimulates the senses. Its message that there are no short trips or short-cuts in life, only loss and restoration; all of us a multitude of droplets in a vast ocean. A 'JourneywithJair' favourite! J

I’ll leave you with some lovely quotes from the film which keeps the audience on their toes throughout:

“A half-read book is a half-finished love affair.”

“Our lives are not our own. We are bound to others, past and present, and by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.”

“Power, time, gravity, love. The forces that really kick ass are all invisible.”

“You say you’re depressed. All I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn't mean you’re defective – it just means you’re human.”

“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”