Expected another epic like Matrix, not that great, but still good

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2012)

For those who expects another epic like Matrix, this may be a disappointment. But this doesn't change the fact that Cloud Atlas is a great film. Six different stories are told throughout the movie which at the end come together to manifest the message.
Art direction, costume design and production design are great. For acting, I can't think of a word that would describe it to you. All actors and actresses are brilliant. I only felt the Korean actress playing Somni was a bit flawed but the rest did great. Especially Tom Hanks, Hugo Weaving and Jim Broadbent. All six stories have different tones but still the movie works fine and audience never feels any disconnection between the stories. The characters are very realistically portrayed and you really feel for them. You laugh when they laugh, you cry when they cry.
The worst thing about this movie is the make-up. Koreans are so annoyed that they call this movie racist. They are right at some point because white actors who are made Koreans have only slant eyes as make up and the whole East-Asia skull and face structure are ignored. The delivery of the message is also lame at some parts. There were moments when I felt the delivery was very childish. First story can be considered very cliché. But the rest are really good, especially the one that takes place in todays world, the one with Jim Broadbent in the lead. Music is fine as well but felt a bit minimalistic. You will probably not remember anything from films soundtrack after you leave the cinema.
I strongly recommend this movie to you. Wachowkis are probably the most passionate directors alive today. I also send regards to Tom Tykwer.