across the universe posted by imani , Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 7:02 AM, in Labels: something else

one down!

this afternoon, nosh and i watched 'across the universe' - and i am just flabbergasted - in a very good way. i cannot even begin to sum up all the beautiful things that i saw in the movie.

the two main characters - jude (played by jim sturgess) and lucy (portrayed by evan rachel wood) were from different parts of the world - she lives in ohio, usa and he - in (where else!?) liverpool, england. the movie depicts how the choices of all the characters would allow for all of them to cross paths - the movie shows how even the smallest, insignificant chance we take can change the rest of our lives.

what i love about this movie is the fact that it is a feast for the imagination - it is colorful, poetic, upbeat and vibrant. julie taymor directed this movie back in 2007. she was also the director behind 'frida.' one of the many surprises in the movie were cameo roles from bono and salma hayek.

set against the turbulent middle '60's, 'across the universe' triumphs in showing the harsh reality of oppression due to color and race, the rawness and senselessness of war. but the best part is that despite these really significant issues, the film wasn't at all too 'dense' to understand - they used (as one would expect) some of the more popular songs done by the beatles and 'reinvented' the music to suit the movie's ingenuity and vivacity.

julie taymor, i would have to say, has really impressed me. she's consistent with her style and her creativity is just...boundless. she is so original, her ideas and the manner in which the movie was made is so fresh that i am sure it appeals to different kinds of people. she also made sure that the best songs we know of the beatles will be sung by only the best voices - their renditions were often heart wrenching, hair raising and simply authentic.

the movie keeps me smiling for it made me realize something - that despite being constantly surrounded by atrocity and hate, ALL WE NEED IS LOVE to keep hoping.