Directed by Julie Taymor, Across the Universe revolves around 1960s America, when the landscape was currently being changed by the Vietnam War. The beautiful and tumultuous era served as the backdrop for the main characters Jude, Lucy, Max, Prudence, and Sadie, whose names were apparently taken from Beatles songs, as they struggled with freedom, relationships, and global politics. They narrated most of the story through singing and each of them did so convincingly it would break your heart.

Jim Sturgess (21) as Jude, the main character, almost brought me to tears when he sang “Girl” in the opening while Evan Rachel Wood (Practical Magic) did a heartbreaking rendition of “If I Fell in Love.” I was totally awed with the way Chinese/Filipina/American actress Teresa Carpio sang “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” as Prudence. These are just a few of all the very-well interpreted classics Beatles fans know by heart.

Everything about the movie is just… beautiful. The spectacular scenes, the fantastic actors, the well-crafted numbers and choreography, and the wonderful music stir all kinds of emotions all at once you’d want to explode. The film is mostly about the love story between Jude from Liverpool and Lucy of New York but I did not find it even a tad cheesy.

Across the Universe celebrates youth, love, peace, true friendship, and of course, the Beatles’ music and its influence. It successfully blended surrealism with realism, making it truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. It you are not a musical fan, it is still worth seeing and I guarantee you will find yourself singing along with “All you need is love!” or “Jai guru deva om...”

Director: Julie Taymor
Studio: Columbian Druglord Pictures/Revolution Studios
Release Date: Sept 2007