A rare piece of intelligent greatness

Rating: 9/10 (27 January 2013)

I just finished watching this not more than ten minutes ago, and my heart is still pounding. To me this was one of the most intelligent, well-made and inspiring films since... well since ever. It's almost reluctantly that I don't give it a full ten, but I may up the score after a few more views. Because this is a film that I need to watch again. Not simply to grasp some of the many, many well-hidden details, but also because I already want to see it one more time.
So where to start? If you don't mind letting go of the conventional way of being told a story, where scenes follow time rather than purpose, this is a movie for you. If you try to connect the dots from the beginning you will simply become confused. The story doesn't unfold until the end, and this is one of the things which make the movie so very rewarding. I could sense the impact it would have on me throughout the film, only to have my wishes realized once it reached the end.
Visually it's stunning. The make-up is as good as it gets. Not because the make-up artists succeed to hide the true actor behind the make-up, but because they transform the actors while allowing the viewer to see which other characters he or she are playing, thus being able to connect them to one Another, which in my mind is essential to the movie. And most actors do play a multitude of parts in this film. The rest of the special effects also serve well to bring to life the creators vivid visions without stealing the show or wrecking it.
In addition to great storytelling and visual effects, the film has a message (or messages) more daring and relevant than almost any recent Hollywood release. I'm not entirely sure that all of the messages will reach all the viewers though, so I find myself torn. On one hand, I love the fact that the morals aren't being handed to you on a silver platter. It makes me feel like I have accomplished something. On the other hand, some of the more important morals may go unnoticed for some. There are however more obvious points which can hardly be missed. But these are somewhat more conventional. Sorry for being vague, but I don't want to say any more to spoil it. :)
I feel I have already taken up too much time. The film may not be for everyone. But give it a chance. Those of you who will like it, will probably also love it, and may find yourselves truly affected by it as I have been.