Across the Universe (2007)
Moderate violence, infrequent moderate coarse language, drug references and nudity
| Director: | Julie Taymor |
| Actors: | Evan Rachel Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Cynthia Loebe, Martin Luther, Tv Carpio, Heather Janneck, Bono, Eddie Izzard, Salma Hayek |
An original musical film, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is a fictional love story set in the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, the struggle for free speech and civil rights, mind exploration and rock and roll. At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, the story moves from high schools and universities in Massachusetts, Princeton and Ohio to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Detroit riots, Vietnam and the dockyards of Liverpool. A combination of live action and animation, the film is paired with many songs by The Beatles that defined the time.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 133mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (73)
73 Member
Reviews
says
Brilliant - a masterpiece. The attention to detail is outstanding - the editing is fabulous, the acting is wonderful, the songs glorious and symbolism hits home. It's deeply moving.
George
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LOVED IT! Want to buy our own copy.
ah.........so many memories :)
kelow@bigpond.com
says
Great film, loved it, and as long time Beatle fans we were very impressed by the inventive and sometimes revelatory interpretations of their songs. Story probably looked a bit trite on paper but Julie Taymor has done a great job making us care about these characters. So many knockout performances - especially the leads' acting & singing. Loved Joe Cocker's cameos. We want a copy of this film in our collection.
Maxine
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Very interesting viewing for those who are interested in the Universe. Stephen Hawking gives a great narration of how he sees things now and in the future.
Denis Scouser Moore
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Being borm in Liverpool in 1952 and living there until age 14 when I migrated to OZ, the scenes and accents brought back vivid memories to me!! But the music of the Beatles , the wonderful voclas and the way the songs were interwoven in the film was truly amazing!!! It was a very Magical Mystery Tour for me!! Well done.
Barb
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Really different, the music tells the story.Great music
nibula
says
why did I order this movie? We hate musicals. The moment it started and they started singing straight away I knew we had made a mistake. We didnt get very far with it, every time something seemed to be about to happen they started singing instead, so we gave up.
Alex H.
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Wonderfull movie with many songs of some time ago.
kimbo
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I love The Beatles but the producers should have found better vehicle for thier music. Average
D. Jorgensen
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Can't tell you how much this movie surprised me! I LOVED IT!!! Amazing use of characters, songs, colour, directing...... It blended Beatles songs with a brillant story. Goes a bit "drug-induced sparkly" a bit towards the end (so weird) but I suppose that was the time!! I am off to buy my own copy as I will be watching this again and again. I highly recommend this one - even if you are not a musical fan. You'll know the songs and that helps you draw so much out of the characters and the story.... LOVED IT!!!
Jo T.
says
LOVED IT ! I didn't know what it was going to be like and thought it was a chick flick when I ordered it but was I so wrong. You have to stick with it for the first 15 mins or so as it lays the base for the characters but after that I was HOOKED. One of the best movies I have seen for a long time. so brilliantly adapted with the Beatles songs as most of the dialogue-a musical of brilliance.
Peter E.
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Enjoyed the music tremendously- took me back to the 60's -was indifferent about story line
Melissa
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Great movie!! I highly recommend it to anyone. It didn't overkill the singing and I love the original remake of the songs used.
Cassandra
says
This was the weirdest movie i have ever seen, If you like musicals which i have only seen a few and liked them so i thought this would be ok but the story line is there but somewhere in the middle it jumps all over the place and you wonder what the hell is going on, plus the cinematogrophy is so weird and different that being a film set in the 60's whoever made the film was definately on some kind of acid trip and you will understand as soon as you watch the movie. Different although the singing throughout the film is awesome, especially for a Beatles fan - if you can get your head around the weirdness you will enjoy it.
Kim
says
Had potencial with great actors, songs and inspired choeography and interpretation; but got bogged down being overly arty and just became wearisome and confusing. Too long, couldnt be bothered watching to the end.
Michelle
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Brillient I loved it
Elizabeth M.
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I couldn't stop watching/rewatching this movie. Not much of a storyline, characters not terribly interesting, but put it all together with the Beatles music reworked to bring it into this century and you've got a great movie. I'm ordering the soundtrack! Great stuff. Should be more like it.
Jennifer
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The plot is nothing to write home about, and irritated me that the Prudence subplot never went anywhere, but the music was pleasant and the staging (if you can call it that when half of it's CGI) of the musical numbers was clever.
Stephen
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If you liked Mamma Mia then this movie is for you, think Same idea but the Beatles, vey well done with some brilliant singing, we will be buying this one
Laurene W.
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This movie was a tad strange to me. I loved the music aspect but it was hard to follow at times. Not to say that I didnt like the movie and dont regret choosing it. Just an okay movie
Jan L.
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Loved the interpretation of the Beatles music!
Worth watching just to see Bono.
Tania
says
The best advice I can give anyone getting this DVD is watch the ''making of'before watching the movie as it will make much more sense as it is a bit trippy!
Kyle
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i got this for my hubby who is a huge beetles fan but he did not like it as much as he thought he would from the previews
Bronwyn R.
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Maybe me
Amour S.
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Another unexpected EXCELLENT movie. I love the Beatles music and how this was interwoven with the storyline. Absolutely had a great time with this one!
Andrew A.
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Pants, pants, pants! A big pile of pants! This is one to avoid unless you enjoy pain!
Lisa S.
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This is the best movie I have seen in years. I was captivated from the very first scene. The actors portrayed the characters perfectly. The story line was interesting the way they all intertwined with each other and the use of The Beatles songs enhanced the story even more. Excellent!!!
Jessica G.
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If you liked The Lives of Others you'll love this one. Beautiful and memorable. Enjoy.
Joy H.
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An interesting movie. If you likes Moulin Rouge you will like this. Quirky remix of Beatles songs. Not a child of the sixties but still enjoyed it
Catherine B.
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I had expected to like this a lot, but was very disappointed. I felt that screenplay was contrived to fit with the songs, for example, the Dear Prudence song, rather than there being a great story. In the end I was bored and desparate for it to finish. Some of the singing was just great.
Nadia K.
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Despite being a fan of Beatles music, i did not like this one at all. I thought it was very much a Beatles version of Mamma Mia only Mamma Mia was far more entertaining. Gave one star because the actors can actually sing.
Andrew H.
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A well thought out and well put together movie. Great idea and use of some of The Beatles classics and a couple of lesser known songs, such as Blackbird. The music is the star here.
Cathy M.
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If you grew up in the 60's with Beatles music, you'll love it. Very artistic, don't forget to watch the extras!
Jennie F.
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An amazing movie that manages to capture the spirit of the late 60's. Political,unrest, war and rapidly changing social patterns. I have never really listened to a lot of the beatles songs although they were there as a background to my life in thr 60's and 70's. Through this movie new life has been breathed into the songs in a way that allowed me to really appreciate their relevance as bookmarks of our societal and political journey. Great theatre, great movie
Gerri B.
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After seeing all the positive reviews for this movie, my brain just must not have been working. I found the first hour boring, and the last 45 minutes pretty good. In saying that, the 30 minutes after the first hour was a a visual feast that I can only describe as absolutly brilliant. I thought that some of the Beatles songs were really being killed, but the ones sung by Jim S. (the star), were beautiful. I would love the opinion of someone who watched this movie in an altered state (if you know what I mean). I think it might really take them on a trip. I would love to take the 30 minute clip of visual masterpiece out, & watch it over & over. Saying that, I guess I just expected something different. It is worth watching, mainly for the visuals.
Sandra M.
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Dramatic, brilliant mix of animation great acting and great singing. Cameo roles by Joe Cocker & Bono and many amusing references to the 60's. Well worth watching.
Gerd H.
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For teenagers of the 60s– and maybe some of subsequent decades – who could sing along to any Beatles song, this movie is an absolute treat. The great songs interpreted in refreshing new ways, so that while you know the words they seem like totally new modern songs. And in a throwback to the era of musicals (which seem to be making a comeback) the songs come out of and fit the story. Some extra joy comes from characters’ names lifted from Beatles’ songs, even from songs that are not in the movie. Moreover the whole movie is a visual and creative treat, full of different styles and moods. And a surprise when one character sings just like Joe Cocker – because it is Joe Cocker!
Leith W.
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Beautiful cinematography set to a great Beatles soundtrack. Amazing colours and set transitions. I really enjoyed this movie and could watch it again.
Beth
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Nice change from the norm. Great music which keeps it enjoyable while the story unfolds. Quite weird in parts but if you would like something different and you enjoyed Moulin Rouge give this one a go!
Helen P.
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I have mixed feelings about this movie. I adore the beatles, loved the soundtrack and the way the songs were cleverly woven into the storyline. However, I felt this movie was often lacking in direction, segue-ing to strange locations so that the director could get a particular song in the score. I lamented all the great beatles songs which didnt make it into the movie, and wish they'd included some medleys. Still watched it twice through though!
Naomi M.
says
Thoroughly enjoyed it, but the scene with the bus and the Mr Kite song should have been cut out, it was not enjoyable or relevant to the story - the film was too long and it would have been a benefit to cut it. If you don't like Beatles music you may not like it.
Suzanne A.
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FABULOUS! AMAZING! CREATIVE GENIUS!! It's a MUST OWN.
Bronwen L.
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Loved it
been watching songs on youtube since
Initiallyi thought that I wasnt going to like it. BUT.. it dragged me in.. the choregraphy, the direction, the "special effects.. everything is wow.
bought the sound track and will buy the dvd.
I am sold or maybe that is obsessed HA
Michael H.
says
Absolutely fantastic in every sense..visually, musically, story line. Brought back memories of my late teens in the 60s and was so impressed actually watched all the extras. Next day I went a purchased a copy. Highly recommended if you like beatles music which I love, or like a dose of the 60s.
Michael H.
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Absolutely terrific......love the music, the story and it took me back to my late teens. Oh the memories. Great cast and filming. The extras were also worth watching and enjoyed it so much I went and bought a copy.
Isabelle T.
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I had no idea what I would expect from this movie...I am not a Beetle fan but realized that I did know all the songs and liked them. I would recommend this movie to anyone, even if you are not a Beetle fan like myself. It was really enjoyable and the music kept playing over in my head for days after watching it...very well written and made.
Sandy H.
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It's different..and worth watching. It's a semi-musical but not in a Broadway-Jazz Hands kind of way. It's a classy movie and if you know Beatles music -then you appreciate it even more.
Chris J.
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The start was a bit slow. But I found that once it was going it flowed a lot better. I really liked the group dance scenes.
Angela C.
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What an incredible journey! They really don't make movies like this any more. Kind of like a Moulin Rouge done with Beatles music, strangely enough this little tale of love in the sixties is successfully told through the clever use of songs. An awesome treat visually and aurally.
Kirsty M.
says
A movie that is certainly different to most of those out there today, Across the Universe is a beautiful film. The soundtrack is superb, and the characters are larger than life and brilliantly acted. However, I did find that it was a bit all over the place sometimes, and a bit hard to follow.
Katie W.
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Absolutely awesome! I really loved this movie and highly recommend it. The songs were done so brilliantly and actually sung by the actors, filmed live! That's awesome. I wasn't a huge fan of the psychedelic parts in the middle but the beginning and the end more than made up for that. I loved hearing the remixs of the Beatles songs and the way that they shaped the story itself was beautiful, really well written and the acting was flawless. I can't stress enough how much I loved this film. Definitely worthy of a few awards.
Catherine M.
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Everyone loves Beatles music surely. Personally I really liked this film. The music was wonderful and the acting excellent. It is a comentary on my generation.
Kevin D.
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The reason why this film works wasn't revealed until the end - the script was by the masters - Clement and La Frenais - the songs were strung together and fleshed out well
Sarah S.
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Very cool interpretation of the songs in the context of a story that represents the times the beatles were composing their music...
Brooke H.
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FRIGGIN AWSOME!!!!!!!!!
not a huge fan of the beatles but a massive fan of this movie!!!!!!
A MUST SEE FOR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anthony R.
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Brilliant, although not perfect. I lost it a little through the onset of psychodelia. Haven't been this engrossing in a conceptual weave of history since The Final Cut
Marion T.
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Jodi M.
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Sancha C.
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I only wanted to see this movie to check out Bono's cameo appearance. The music is great, though I found the movie to be all over the place,you would have to watch it more then once to understand the storyline.
garrett
says
Being a Beatles fan, this was a great movie for me, and appears to be an ambitious production to try to fit in the words of their songs to the storyline. good cameos by Bono and Joe Cocker. Guess which songs the characters came from added to the fun, and some of the lines were from songs. ENJOYABLE.
ka-tet
says
To be fair it must of been hard to decide which songs to leave out, for example found myself impressed by what they did with Penny Lane whilst being simultaneously frustrated not to hear the whole thing. Trying to please every fan is fraught with danger and this might be as close as anyone can get. Will put it on in lieu of a CD from time to time.
Nicholas W.
says
This started on such a fresh, energetic and bubbly tone that just didn't last. As relationship troubles and war protests clouded the starry sky everything became too laboured and heavy handed. The songs didn't seem to suit anymore. I still enjoyed this quite a lot, the fun that the cast would have been having shooting this film translated into a lot of fun for me. I would have just preferred if its central plot, the romance, was a little more interesting and less like every other romance story ever written. Because the great songs and visuals deserved better.
Nathan C.
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awesome..don't miss it.
Aaron F.
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Been done before nothing really original in this film but at least i enjoyed the Strawberry Fields segment.
Piya A.
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Excellent movie!
Gary H.
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A rather lacklustre affair that didn't grab me at all.
Some of the songs where just cringeworthy.
Michael K.
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I'm so glad that people still make films like this. This film reminds me of "tommy" although this film isnt as harsh as tommy was but still delivers a messages through much loved classics and these people can sing! What a shock about Evan Rachel Wood. Moving and visualy appeasing. Great little cameo's too gotta love Joe cockers pimp and Eddie Izzards Mr K! First film i have seen in a long time that when the credits finished rolling, i pressed play again, sat back and rewatched the whole thing again and still enjoyed it as much if not more.
W B O.
says
I could see that you would either love this one or hate it - I loved it. Visually, it was stunning, the cast was superb, the music of the Beattles brilliantly used and the feeling of the 60s perfectly captured. If you liked Moulin Rouge, you'll love this.
Jacquie F.
says
Interesting music biopic set in the 6o,s-great beatles music,storyline,romance,actors and even BONO and Joe Cocker has a part !deserves 5 stars.
Sue K.
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this was at the movies for a blink..what a shame..you dont have to be a fan of the Beatles to enjoy it..colourful,musical,entertaining............
strawberry fields forever..its a great movie
Jarrad B.
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The BEST movie i have ever seen.
deserves every award possible.
Simon H.
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This movie delivers something fantastic and different from the usual Hollywood fare. Great music and some out there visual scenes take you back to the 60s - definitely recommend you kick back late in the evening with the lights off and sound up and enjoy!
Susanna C.
says
WOW! cannot believe they still make movies like this - big, bold, brash, beautiful! It was visually stunning, with amazingly lovely renditions of the Beatles classics and moving/timely to boot. Just exquisite!