Across the Universe is a movie that makes a statement, in every way possible. This visual movie demands your attention and pulls you in from the very beginning. The experience is spectacular because not only is it a musical, but It has meaning woven into every little detail. The Beatles’ songs are incorporated all throughout the film to tell the tale of war and peace. Even though Across the Universe is a tribute to the legendary band, it shows the trials and tribulations of sixties era. This movie displays a variety of important messages. Most involve love, but some parts of the film depict brutal war scenes, police shootings and riots. Across the Universe makes a political statement as well, with its clear message of anti-war and violence, just as strong as it was back in the day. In the beginning, you see a little bit about the main character’s lives and their problems. Each character has their own story, but they all fit together in the end, after numerous triumphs and failures. The characters develop as you venture further into the musical, as they journey to find themselves and love along the way. Like a puzzle, and rely on one another to paint the final picture. The opening scene takes place on a beach in Ireland, setting the tone of the movie. Jude (Jim Sturgess) is on the search for his father in America, while Lucy (Rachel Wood) bid’s a sad goodbye to her boyfriend drafted into Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) the war. When Jude meets Max, Lucy’s brother, at college, the movie really starts to take off. Jude and Max bond immediately, forming a strong friendship from the very beginning. When they decide to break away and move to New York City, Lucy tags along, looking to branch out and broaden her horizons after the unfortunate death of her boyfriend. It is there that the three are introduced to Sadie, their soul-singing landlord, Prudence, a heart- broken vagabond and Joe, Sadie’s love interest and band member. The group clicks, and the story begins. Soon enough, Jude and Lucy fall into young love, while Prudence and Max show a small interest of one another. Although, this doesn’t last for long,. Max receives a letter requesting him to join the service and after trying every possible trick to escape, Max inevitably is drafted into the army. This affects the group more then anything, as they realize that war is happening everywhere, even in their own backyards. Lucy is motivated to take a stand against it, showing her interest in the many peace rallies. After hearing a motivational speaker, she applies for a job as his assistant. Once hired, Jude and Lucy seem to grow apart, their beliefs no longer the same. Jude returns to his homelands, the group now completely torn to pieces. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) Just as war ripped them apart, the drive for peace brings them back together to spread the message of love and unity. Music is used to tell this storyline, coordinating songs to go along with the film. Each Beatles song expresses the emotion and setting of the scene, whether it be a rally for peace or a hippie bus ride. The film twists and turns, one musical number after another, and each more elaborate then the last. From “I want to hold your hand” to “Strawberry Fields,” Across the universe highlights every genre of the Beatles. The visual effects during musical numbers are phenomenal and extremely abstract, every one shot at a very artistic point of view. Imagination plays a big role in this film, and is a nice break from the ordinary. One song in particular, “All You Need Is Love”, closes the movie and embodies the overall theme. Even though this scene is not as animated as the others are, it doesn’t require it. The meaning behind the song has enough power to stand its own and make an impact. Across the Universe is not a movie for the narrow minded. This film takes a completely new approach to a musical, and is guaranteed to impress. The standards to create this movie were high, and it definitely shows on screen through the actor’s performance and visual effects. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/).