An amazing work of passion, artistic ability, and superb cinematography.

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2008)

I've read some of the quotes on this film and there seem to be a fair amount of negatives, which I truly don't understand, I think that Across The Universe is by far one of the best musicals in years. To call it just a musical though is to pigeon-hole it too neatly in a category that it doesn't really fit.
Years ago watching Moulin Rouge after all the hype and being somewhat disappointed, I thought I would watch this one with an open mind and no expectations. What I found was one of the most superbly crafted musical dramas in years, full of deep and passionate meaning, incredibly talented artists, and a massive amount of symbolism so deftly done that people watching this film I'm sure would relate to it in different ways, and on so many levels.
The cast is just superb, the ease with which all the characters engage the story, and the flow I don't believe can be faulted. One pet hate of mine is when artists butcher classics to create an "artistic" version, and yet so many of the songs in this film have been dramatically altered or slowed down to suit the current theme, but at no point did I ever think, " wow...that was a terrible rendition". The songs were delivered beautifully with passion and conviction, and I dare anyone to watch the "Let It Be" scenes without the hairs on their arms raising! In short, an amazing and enjoyable journey on so many levels.