From the Wachowskis (The Matrix) and Tom Tykwer (“Run Lola, Run”) comes the movie of David Mitchell's 2004 novel which was a little controversial here with the opening chapter in the book depicting Moriori enslaved and abused by Maori on the Chatham Islands (a factual part of our nineteenth-century history). The film retains the six interlocking stories set in different eras with some sci-fi elements, with the principal cast playing different characters in each story. Stars Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant etc. However, the major difference from the book is that the film removes all historical context – so the opening scenes are set nowhere in particular, not in NZ as in the book, and the “natives” are not Maori or Pacific Island but look African American. Any specific historical dates are removed too. I found the whole film an incoherent, self-indulgent mess. A shame, as it would have been one of the few American films (US directors, German financing) to have been (partly) set in NZ and touching on controversial aspects of our history. Read the book instead!
Cloud Atlas reviews
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This is a very involved story and has some interesting moments. It has a great cast.
One of Tom Hanks' best movies ever. His characters (all seven of them) are wonderful through the generations. Some incredible stars including Halle Berry, Hugh Grant and Hugo Weaving.
I actually really enjoyed this film and thought it was brilliant. My friend thought it was too complicated to follow but I have watched it three times now and still enjoy the depth and intricacy of it. The actors are brilliant and the theme of being connected to the same people during every lifetime( who could good in one lifetime and evil in the next). Its lovely
Not much to add to other reviews other than to say this was hard work. You have to battle to find context throughout the film. I agree indeed it's a mess. You can't help wondering if it less of a film and more some type of social experiment to study what happens when an audience is irreversibly confused. Beautifully shot but not worth the strain.