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.”
