Across the Universe

I'm not a film critic, but I've recently viewed a film that touched me in so many ways, that I'm compelled to share my enthusiasm for it. Across the Universe took me back in time, but also seemed remarkably current. The soundtrack, which is all Beatles music rearranged and performed as story by fabulous singer/actors, is awesome -- in fact, stunning. What is perhaps most amazing about this film is that the themes and visuals used to tell the clever tale with songs written over thirty years ago, still rings poignantly true today. We continue to seek our own niche in the world, as well as friendship, redemption, and understanding.

The Viet Nam war was perhaps one of the most up-front and personal issues of my high school and college days, and much of what we dreaded then, we're facing again today. Though we no longer have a draft in this country, the agony of lives lost on all sides and the reality of war's consequences -- confusion, destruction, and lack of support services for emotionally and physically wounded soldiers and civilians is just as palpable today as it was then. Still, while death and destruction of various degrees is occurring all over the globe, as long as the sun still rises every day, life will continue. Despite it all, it is possible to find personal stories of triumph where love lives, even in the direst of circumstances.

Music has always been important to me -- I can trace my own life hurdles, triumphs and heartbreaks by the songs that were popular when such events occurred. Watching Across the Universe reminded me not only of just how brilliant the Beatles were, but how important creative expression is in our lives. We still look to songwriters, musicians, artists, and film-makers to describe, explain, express, and make sense of the chaos and uncertainty of our lives. Time, space, cultures and ethnicities may divide us, but in the end, we are pretty much the same. Wouldn't it be nice if all we needed was love? Go see the film. You won't be disappointed. www.acrosstheuniverse.com

Comments

[beanhole]

i think it's a chick flick, as i was totally bored. it was one long music video. for the first time in my entire life i began to think, "please don't sing another Beatle song." that's how bad i thought it was.

[JerzGirl226]

Across the Universe is a great movie. I just wish they would expand it to more theaters because a lot of people who want to see the movie will not be able to. You have to see it in the movie theater to get the full effect. I am going to see it again tomorrow (3rd time).

[TheQuestion]

If you see a chance take it - the film was in my area just one week. Do not miss this masterpiece. Pay no attention to that film critic behind the curtain (all films have flaws - but this one has greatness).

Unless you still belive that Sadaam was responsible for 9/11 or that the earth is flat you are the kind of person who will love this movie.

[NCGigi]

This is a great movie. Everyone on HuffPo should go see it.

[ThreeCentsWorth]

The filmmakers were brilliant, and the lead actors were so talented. What struck me was how many new meanings there were to the familiar Beatles songs.

Too bad the marketing people don't seem to know what to do with this movie. It could be "High School Musical" for thinking teens and nostalgia for the rest of us.

[TheQuestion]

Great film for the open minded.

I think the parralels & differences beween the 60's & today are interesting. It ssems to me that the activism was much more intense during the 60's. I think today the pressure is a bit more subtle and I believe that we must continue to pressure our representatives to end this war.

I for one do not want to see riots in the street again. But I do share the same goal of ending the war.

[Rescisco]

Thanks, sounds great! "Words are flowing off like endless rain into a paper cup...."