***THIS REVIEW WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ON THE HOLLYWOOD NEWS, HERE***
DIRECTOR: Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski.
CAST: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Doona Bae, Jim Sturgess, Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, James D’Arcy, Hugo Weaving, Keith David, David Gyasi, Xun Zhou, Susan Sarandon.
SYNOPSIS: Six stories from different moments in time become intertwined as random acts change the course of history. From modern-day farce to post-apocalyptic warfare, everything is connected.
David Mitchell’s 2004 novel, Cloud Atlas, is a magical mixture of six seemingly unrelated historical yarns that weave together through time to become interlinked by specific, consequential ripples. With a formidable artistic trio at the helm, Mitchell’s majestic and lauded work has been transformed into a lovingly crafted, jaw-dropping epic from Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis.
Where the novel is read as separate chapters within the sextet’s respective timelines, Alexander Berner’s remarkable editing results in a singular, fluid tale. Slices of sci-fi, historical spectacle, political thriller and good, old-fashioned slapstick are layered harmoniously with unprecedented ease – an impressive feat that should not be undervalued. A modern-day caper set in an old people’s home may appear farfetched, but where the low-key comedy is merged seamlessly into the expansive world of Neo Seoul, you feel safe that these directors can master any genre. Continue reading
Emma Thrower 