Across the Universe

I have just finished watching this DVD now. XD, Ernie and I did not finish watching it during church retreat, and it is easy to see why. The plot is actually almost non-existent, but considering this is a musical conjured up from almost nothing except a selection of Beatles songs, I guess I can really care less about the plot. Sometimes it makes sense, but most of the time you know it doesn't and feel forced, but you enjoy the music nonetheless (provided you enjoy the Beatles, of course). So to someone who doesn't like convoluted plots and Beatles songs, you can avoid watching this movie altogether.

What makes this musical good are the potent ingredients of bold imagination (by director Julie Taymor) and the time-transcending Beatles songs. I love how the evolution of Beatles songs are brought out in two rather striking themes: that of love and revolution. We know, of course, that the Beatles in their early career were unmatched in their production of simple and cheesy love songs, which to this day men will not hesistate to sing to their girlfriends. And their music in their later period was definitely darker, perhaps due to their influence by drugs. But both were great by any standards.

I guess this film will only appeal to Beatles' fans or musical fans.