Well adapted, multi layered movie

Rating: 8/10 (30 June 2017)

I am usually of the kind to read before I watch. And in the case of this movie, I am certainly glad that I did so, the themes used in this movie go much above the regular movie goers taste. I do realise that this means that those who haven't read the book will have a hard time understanding what is being presented, but I do hope to make the viewers try.
This is a movie that has taken 6 very different stories, very different settings and themes and yet managed to weave a fantastical tale that has a deeper and more layered agenda. Sure, it is long, but don't good things come to those that wait?
As the audience, I had my favourite segments and not so favourite segments. My favourite even while reading the book was Robert Frobisher. The adaptation of his part was brought to life by almost perfection by Ben Wisham.
One part that took me completely and pleasantly by surprise: the enacting of Old Georgie. A standing ovation to Hugo Weaving, the costume designer and the make up artist for bringing a concept like Georgie to the screen. Everything from the top hat to the nails, just well done.
The movie certainly takes a few liberties but never have I seen a movie so painstakingly adapted (franchises not counting). The make up?! The setting?! One of the liberties hugely taken or maybe I myself never picked up on it was having actors from each segment play a different role in another segment. It was certainly not hinted at in the book except for the main character. This one left me pondering and I think it was a mistake as how can one be evil in one life but good in another? Overlooking this one fact, loved the movie in all its entirety.