Enigmatic Symphony

I recently went and saw Cloud Atlas (2012) upon recommendation from one of my younger brothers. I would have gone anyway since I happened to catch the trailer and was very intrigued but I felt even more inclined to see it after he had spoken so warmly of it.

Based on the novel by David Mitchell and brought to screen by Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer and Andy Wachowski this film is very strong both in message and depiction. It is a mosaic of life-stories intertwined but separate and it takes focus and dedication to really get the most out of this film.

If it sounds complex and complicated it's because it is.

Furthermore I would not recommend this to someone who simply want some easygoing entertainment and I would have to say to anyone who wants to see this that there are, in my opinion, some strong scenes.  It's not overly gory (though it's not embellished or adjusted); it's simply the fact that if one has the ability to put oneself in someone else's situation, feel their grief, pain and anger, it can become unpleasant.

But if you have the patient and if you have the stomach (don't let this scare you off, it's just a precaution!) I would absolutely recommend this magnificent piece of filmatic art. Though complicated and unsettling, and at times dark, it had such beautiful performances and those wonderful glimpses of hope and humour that shone the brighter when framed in sorrow and despair.

The hugely talented actors and actresses are what ultimately brings this whole epos to life and I must say that though Tom Hanks does, as per usual, a fantastic job and though Hugo Weaving is talented as always it is truly Ben Whishaw who shines in this piece in his role as Robert Frobisher. Jim Sturgess and Halle Berry also prove that they are really good at portraying characters you really feel compassionate about. We also see Doona Bae give quite the performance as well as James D'Arcy, Keith David, David Gyasi, Robert Fyfe and Martin Wuttke. And, of course, not to forget Hugh Grant and Susan Sarandon!

Since the film Cloud Atlas is based on a book which I have not read I cannot speak for those who have in terms of recommending this film. From what I can gather, however, it is alright to watch even if one has read the book. It apparently takes liberties with plot and certain details but supposedly brings the overall concept to the big screen in a favourable way.

So, as someone who has not red the book and who enjoys these grand and thought-provoking films I absolutely do recommend it. I would gladly give a small summery as to illustrate why it's a must-see but it is in all honesty not so easy. However, and possibly spoiler to some here!, the main focus point is the idea that "our lives are not our own" and that a soul travels through different lifetimes and everything, good or bad, ripples through time and effects that individual soul in every life. It's a most endearing thought that is displayed with beautiful scenes and great acting. Out of all the films so far this year Cloud Atlas is absolutely a must-see!