Cloud Atlas | In-Depth Film Analysis: The Misunderstood Revolutionary Masterpiece
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- Cloud Atlas is the first movie of its kind to combine eastern philosophy with western theoretical physics. Giving us a movie that synergistically explores the concepts of quantum entanglement and reincarnation.
At face value, this film is about our actions rippling across time, affecting the preceding lives to come. Yet, there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The Philosophy of Cloud Atlas extends far beyond the limitations of a movie.
You see, reality - existence, is a mystery.
Humans try to make sense of it all. Depending on the frame of reference, there will be a different explanation for reality.
Religions formed originally with the intent of questioning reality, before becoming the institutionalized social indoctrination machines that they are now.
Despite the dogmatic thinking displayed by some scientists,
Science is the closest we have to a non-biased approach of viewing reality. As, science is simply analyzing what can be weighed and measured.
However, with the development of quantum mechanics, humans have been analyzing the fundamentals of reality, and they show that not all aspects of reality can be weighed or measured.
One such aspect of reality is consciousness.
Sure, we can study brain activity, and see which part of the brain is firing the neurones in correlation to the experience of the human.
But, none of these things are measuring consciousness. It in and of itself is a mystery that is still trying to be solved by modern scientists.
If one takes the time to study quantum mechanics, you’ll find that things are not what they same.
Everything is in relation to something else.
That is to say, that the appearance of solid matter, is an illusion created by wavelengths vibrating at specific frequencies, pulling subatomic particles together, forming atoms, molecules, cells and so on.
Atoms are 99% empty space, meaning that the appearance of solid matter, is an illusion of the brain.
Our brain receives a copious amount of information, in which it filters through giving us the perception of reality
that we have.
We’re going to have to use metaphors to describe reality from this view, but from a quantum perspective, we are a field of energy, manifested in a physical 3 Dimensional Space-Time continuum, that we call the universe.
The Universe as its definition states, is of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy.
That is to say -- everything including you or I -- is the universe.
Now, what is Consciousness from a quantum perspective?
What is consciousness from a 4th dimensional perspective and onwards? Where space-time is now interconnected.
You see, the perception of reality, from these higher dimensional perspectives, is very different from our 3D perspective.
In our 3D manifestation of the universe, we are apparently, separated, time is linear, and reality is a sequence of events from birth to death.
Now, from the perspective of 5D space, all things, all points in time, are indistinguishable from one another.
There is no future, past or present, these concepts of time only exist in the 3D universe. But, in the 5D universe everything is one.
It is hard if not impossible, to wrap our heads around this concept, which is so alien from our normal experience of life, and the assumptions we have about it.
But, from the 5D perspective onwards, reality is one simultaneous experience of the beginning and end of existence, to the point of which there is no beginning and end.
These mind bending realizations are directly related to the teachings of ancient eastern philosophy.
The perception is, is that the universe is one, and we are one with it.
They say that the soul, or consciousness in this regard, is experiencing itself in every possible variation.
Is this not what the universe is doing?
From a single point, the big bang, to every manifestation of matter?
Quantum entanglement shows that there remains a connection between particles, Even after they’ve been separated.
Apply this to the big bang, and you’ll see that the correlation exists. That both these perspectives of science and spirituality, are showing that we are all one, experiencing itself subjectively as all forms of matter in the universe.
From this perspective, we can see how consciousness, which can neither be weighed or measured, is a artifact of the higher dimensions.
That is to say that you, exist on multiple dimensions, simultaneously.
The point of view which is you, has already died and been born again. You are just living through it from a 3D perspective, through a linear motion of time.
And, with that being the case, you are everything experiencing itself. But, from this 3D perspective, you are the body that identifies you as an individual.
We are all one.
Cloud Atlas is a movie that profoundly moved me. I've seen it many times, and I cry every time I see it. I'm so glad that there are others out there that appreciate it!
I too have watched the movie many times and I learn something new about myself after each viewing and I cry because I am ashamed to admit that I can identify with even the most evil of the characters and I am sympathetically drawn to tears for the loss I feel of my higher self after having suffered so much pain by the hands of others and my own choices from a time when I lacked awareness and mindfulness. However, I have always been very well aware that you will reap what you have sown. If only one could really wipe the slate clean and begin once more knowing what we know now.
I was born in 64 I am the 65th comment on this comment. That movie transcends space and time. Nuf said.......
this is one of the most entertaining movies i have ever seen. so much goodness packed into 1 movie. it took me quite a few watches and still had to look into it online before i understood it entirely but once you get it , you just let it settle in , kick back and smile. 😁
The scene that touched me the most, is the scene where Robert Frobisher is watching Sixsmith from the Scott monument in Edinburgh, The love that emanates from the scene, Frobisher secretly gazing at Sixsmith, knowing that he can't meet and that he needs to finish his magnum opus undisturbed, that really moved me beyond belief - I can still tear up just by thinking about it. Of course there are other scenes as well, Cloud Atlas is an emotional rollercoaster, but that scene really stuck to me, engrained on my retina. A beautiful film, beautiful cinematography and beautiful, compelling storytelling; a true masterpiece.
My 27 years as a movie junkie and I have never been so impacted by a film. This is the perfect story, the perfect film, for an imperfect humanity. Unfortunately that’s also why most of humanity will never appreciate it.
The Cloud Atlas Sextet is a six piece arrangement coming together for one musical idea. The six timelines into one overarching plot is reflected right into the musical theme. This movie is literally timeless.
Cloud atlas is a movie that would probably gain traction as the years go by and people would see it differently. Its ahead of its time 😁
The other way around, the philosophy this film wants from the viewers to acknowledge is near its end.
(☆) it is falling apart.
It isn't ahead of ITS Time, because many of us have already been having similar experiences. It is ahead of general society, and will continue to ripple out and impact a broader scope of people
The movie is nice
The attempt to make white actors asian was the only jarring part, it was funny
@@lightdarkequivalent7143 Did you not notice the reverse? Halle berry as a Jewish woman and Bae Doona as Tilda. They are really funny tho. Especially Hugo weaving as Noakes.
@@lightdarkequivalent7143 It's a shame that so many were put off by this superficial aspect of the movie. The movie carried such a strong message which is actually aligned with the concerns of all those people complaining about "yellow face".
My favorite quote: "And for What, For What? No matter what you do it will never amount to anything but a single drop in a limitless ocean. - What is an ocean but a multitude of drops?" For every revolution, every oppressing movement, and every faction of injustice, this line will and has always been in the center when it comes to bringing back balance to societies by love and justice.
However, the movie kind of fucks this quote up. In the book that the movie is based on, it is implied that Adam Ewing’s father is correct. Nothing Ewing did managed to steer humanity off from its self-destructive path. Humanity didn’t escape to the stars to “start over”. The Kona tribe took over Hawaii and Gregory’s tribe lives in fear that the Kona will one day sail over and destroy them. Meronym and her people are extinct. Humanity’s future is dead.
The idea here is that each person reading Cloud Atlas must themselves be a drop, and together we are an ocean. Only then can humanity’s fate depicted in Cloud Atlas be avoided. I feel like this theme is lost in the movie and we are instead left with an interesting take on reincarnation.
the audience was too impatient and primitive for this complex, yet majestic masterpiece.
I guess you did not understand this movie yourself.. by saying that... also the reason you're wathing this video becasue you DON't UNDERSTAND ANYTHING AT ALL about this movie.
One of the scenes that really made me emotional was when the archivist of unanimity asks Somni about Hae-joo chang (who was killed) and Somni says "If I imagine a heaven, I see a door and behind that door, he will be waiting and I will meet him there", and they show Adam Ewing return home to his wife who is Tilda Ewing.
In that soul connection, they were partners who started a revolution to set slaves free in 1849, and the same couple starts a revolution in Neo Seoul to set but they don't make it till the end!. The dialogue of Somni about Hae-Joo chang pretty much summed up that she already was in her "Heaven" in 1849 being together with the reincarnation of Hae-joo as Adam
I liked when the archivist asked what would happen if nobody believes her truths. Someone already does. Gave me goosebumps. Of course I did not realize it caused a nuclear war the first time I saw it lol
i got the vibe that that meant the archivist already recognized her truth, remember he was summounded because they realized this was a political issue which still warranted being recorded. ie they recognized they might be thr evil ancestors (pretty likely honestly they recognized the future would see thrm as evil) @@danielpseery6861
Zachary means ‘God remembers’ and seeing this is the movie is about the soul’s journey in a universe recognizing itself... it really means ‘remembering oneself’ as the divine.
Yes, you're absolutely right. it's pronounced "Zeekarone". movie definitely has many metaphysical meanings and symbolical names/words.
thank you for sharing
One more "easteregg" to the meaning of Zachry is the name Meronym, which is the word "memory" but in a different order of letters (anagram) + addition of the letter "n"
Yes. From the Hebrew Zekhar·Yahʹ (“Jah [Jehovah, יהוה, YHWH] Has Remembered”).👍
absolutely
I remember watching this movie when it came out. I was 16 years old. I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I was shocked to find out it wasn’t well received. Very under rated movie.
Beyond criminally underrated! Movie is an absolute Masterpiece, just as the author of the video claimed. I was in absolute awe after watching the movie upon its release. It is a phenomenon in its own right.
You smart, I appreciate you. Another one! 😂
Not everyone wants to enjoy a movie that is beautifully crafted and thoughtful. Some people like silly romantic comedies or action-adventure movies, which I like but they aren't like this
Let me guess... You're not a big fan of superhero and transformers.
Let me guess... You're not a big fan of superhero and transformers.
Cloud Atlas is probably my favorite book of all time. I read through several times before the movie came out. That alone made the movie extremely easy for me to follow, even though they changed some basic things for the film. This story opens like a set of matrioshka dolls, a slow build. Most things that bring fulfillment are a slow build, requiring that we think, figure things out, and find resonance with things in our lives (whether that be a movie, person, place, book, or circumstance). This is exactly why superhero movies, tik tok, and the like, are pushed on the masses, because - and I can't explain why - our attention spans are supposed be dumbed down, with the object of preparing us to never truly find that fulfillment that comes with overcoming mental obstacles by working our minds.
I consider the sextet itself is the best metaphor for this film.
A musical composition only makes sense when heard in its entirety. The coming together of the six voices are critical, as are the individual voices in and of themselves. The film is an accurate portrayal of the metaphysics of music.
saw the movie a second time tonight and cried again, cause my soul felt and understood something deep, my mind evolved again due to the powerful meanings of cloud atlas and your video was a nice ending to my night after seeing the movie after 4 years. thank you
You're welcome!!
Thanks for putting the time into this. I really enjoyed that.
Marcus Nolan Thank you for taking the time to watch!!
Pocrkali obojica
Exactly, this was so well done
YOOoooo! Your dad got to direct Heath Ledger. Luckyyyyyyy
I think what I have found most thought provoking about this film was the choice to edit it non-linearly and give an entirely new meaning to the aspect of time on these stories. If we look at the timeline more cyclically like the film does, no soul's beginning or ending journey needs to be at the earliest or latest point in time. I think that really adds to the directors' choices to have characters play multiple roles within each story. So for me, I saw most of the birthmark characters were their final soul's journey leading to their big moment of revolution.
What you say about the birthmark makes total sense. Yet another incredible detail to rejoice. Thank you!
I would have to say that's the best interpretation of the birthmark and the various different souls over time. I don't think the filmmakers were conscious of that interpretation while making the film, but it's definitely a deeper meaning that could be made more apparent in reinterpretation.
I understood this film as showing that time is not linear. We see this when there is a reference to a déja vu for a moment we have already seen but which hasn’t happened yet chronically. I also see this when Sonmi 451 talks about being reincarnated like opening a door and it cuts to Mr. Ewing and his wife. In my mind that is Sonmi’s next reincarnation.
You note how Tom Hanks’ character seems to regress in the 2012 story. This makes sense if it was an earlier reincarnation and Issac Sachs was a later reincarnation.
I also wonder if the message is not that the birthmark is a soul or the same actors characters are a soul, but rather every single character and every single person on earth (and the four off-world colonies) are the same soul. Each reincarnation puts the soul in an another body at a random point in time. Our lives are not our own.
@@creatingbeautifulsongs7946 yea, some of the wonky intrepretations of string theory do imply you can go "backwards" in ways.
I got more meaningful pieces of information from this video than in my college classes. Holy f***!
Thank you!!!!!
This country has been dumbed down, we have to teach each other!
@@haroldwhite5761 country ? you are not alone. try everywhere instead.
“The only substitute for an experience that we ourselves have not lived through is art and literature”
This was art, a very beautiful piece I must add. Thank you. I almost cried. I’ll rewatch Cloud Atlas tonight.
I most humbly appreciate that my friend
Knowing what is going on makes the movie hit much harder the second showing. In the first showing these horrible things are happening and the audience is like *shrug* and the second time through it is a tearjerker.
And that's the point of the movie. It's teaching perspective. What you know changes how you view the world, sometimes in drastic ways.
Angel Bunny Yes, yes, and yes!!
It’s moving to see this many people loving this movie that I absolutely adore but had a hard time finding people that also know and love it, my understanding of the film has deepened once more even after watching for so many times, thank you for casting light on this modern art masterpiece, I’m truly glad☺️
The end brought a tear to my eye sad to hear most people won't get what this message is supposed to be about :( I hope someday we will turn to love and not war, this was a great movie and you did a fantastic job putting everything together peace and love brother! :)
MIdnight Thank you !!
Yes, Bravo 🙌ty
It's not in vain, this movie and this analysis video could be viewed by multiple generation all the way into the future, rippling through time, changing hearts and minds in the process... this way they serve their purpose.
I was in the group who was totally lost within the first half hour of the movie and thought about shutting it off. I watched to the end hoping things would come together at a point, but I remained baffled. Caught it on TV again one day and the frustration of not understanding compelled me to watch it again. Only then, I started to see patterns. Then, I was intrigued. On my third watching, I felt I had an inkling of what the film was about and I was very impressed, although certain I did not yet have a thorough understanding - but enough to scratch that curiosity itch. After watching this video, you uncovered even more that I had not at all grasped. Impressive. THANK-YOU for such an organized look at the story.
That makes me very happy Lisa. Thank YOU for being open minded and patient ! I appreciate your appreciation!
I saw this movie on shelves, in the bargain bin for years at walmart, even saw that it was playing on cable and i just passed it up every time. I knew the general concept of 6 stories, multiple souls, all connected. But a week ago i was alone at a friend's house and decided to watch it.. i feel like i watched it when i needed it.. when my soul was ready. This movie has been in almost every waking thought and the Cloud Atlas Sextet gives me chills and it puts me in a trance. This movie was life changing to say the least
“The boundaries between silence and noise are conventions. All boundaries are conventions waiting to be transcended”.
This has got to be my favourite saying in the whole film. What a film! I want to read the book now.
I believe the decisions we make at any moment send ripples to our future and past timeline, which are all happening simultaneously - that transforms them. Since anchoring this belief into my conscious mind, I have experienced things most people would consider supernatural. Healed past trauma, and without doubt transformed “future” timelines. I am also convinced I have even met myself several times in strangers. We humans have a very limited understanding of time and space. Thank you for creating this marvelous analysis. Your perception grad is incredible. This was not an easy film to grasp. I need to read the book!
To think that our interpretations - as “enlightened” as they might seem, are most likely very limited compared to the human collective perception on another higher timeline just blows my mind. Or do you think the human race as we know it on planet earth is doomed?
(00:00) Introduction: Counterargument to Critics
(02:17) Part 1. The Symphony Begins
(04:12) Part 2. The Plot
(27:49) Part 3. Journey of the Soul
(34:27) Part 4. Honour Thy Consumer
(36:58) Part 5. Societal Paradigms
(39:53) Part 6. Echoes In Eternity
(41:19) Part 7. A Natural Order to this World
(43:34) Part 8. All Boundaries are Conventions
(47:37) Part 9. A Natural Phenomena
(49:52) Conclusion: Revelations & Revolutions
Also check out The Philosophy of Cloud Atlas:
ua-cam.com/video/LwLP62fL83k/v-deo.html
All Boundaries Are Conventions (Instrumental Cover)
ua-cam.com/video/I7-KJmdT5VE/v-deo.html
I’ve always thought that if I tried to explain my feelings about this film/novel, or if I tried to explain how it changed my perspective on life, humanity, and time, I’d end up rambling for an infinite amount of time trying to find a more concise way of wording it. You have done marvelously at explaining it VERY quickly. I know that in the UA-cam algorithm 53 minutes is quite long, but I’m just in awe that you were able to do it under an hour, and with such attention to detail with overlooked but important quotes and clips! Anytime a future friend now asks me more about Cloud Atlas, I’ll refer them to this video as having spoilers, but also like an extended trailer would convince uninterested people to watch the full 3.5 hour film, but going in with much more explanation than just the comet birthmark and the time era constantly changing. For a long time I resented and renounced all religion, then tried but struggled to understand Buddhism after the influence of Avatar the last Airbender, but nowadays? Cloud atlas is my spirituality. It genuinely, philosophically and realistically, describes my beliefs and my faith in humanity that uses a combination of science and “the natural order”, it’s something so much more than just an omnipotent force that determines my fate, or a utilitarian savage rat race that incentivizes evil. Like a quantum field of particles, when I think of the human “soul” I just think that each of our individual consciousness sometimes randomly and sometimes deliberately run into each other and change the course of time. In the confines of our own lifetimes it may not amount to much, but in the scale of humanity, we are constantly teetering the edge between accepting love and self-destruction.
What I find strange is how it affected me energetically
and consciously.
I wasn't just affected emotionally, which is usually the only way movies typically affect us.
I feel a visceral shift in how I see my experience: not my imagination or illusion or even (just a) personal mystical journey, but also a significant aspect of nature that (someone) deems important enough to disperse to the general population.
I felt as through I could be the soul traveling through the story , in a spiritual way I related In ways I could never explain
Zen
I think the birthmark represents that soul being marked as a linch pin in that life time. That souls turn to add to the butterfly effect to save humanity.
Also, the birthmark resembles a shooting star. A "shooting star" is an asteroid burning up as it's flying through the air. An insignificant piece of rock that's flying through the atmosphere not from its own will but of some other reason that destined it to behave like it does. It's regarded as beautiful and good, it's even called a star (Millions of times greater than a piece of rock). This means that it doesn't matter what the "shooting star" actually is, the perceptions people hold of it seems to be of more importance. Just like a piece of rock can be perceived as a beautiful star, a super complex and beautiful entity of a human being is constantly perceived as just a piece of meat by the oppressors of this world. So who's to say which perception is better? I think that the reason why the oppressors are wrong (shocker) is that their thinking is paradoxical. Not only are the "lower beings" perceived as worthless objects but they are also tasked with immense responsibility for any wrong doing. While at the same time robbed of their freedom and the recognition for the great achievements they are responsible for. It goes against the laws of physics where a (pretty direct) cause and effect phenomenon exists. A star is a star no matter where it is in the whole universe. Only consciousness allows the conscious to perceive the world as not what it actually is.
And to add to your comment, a shooting star is the perceived end of an asteroid's path. The end of its path spawned a perception of a star falling from the sky, and that perception bring happiness to people that observe it. The observers may get inspired by that perception and feel "special" which could become a catalyst for somebody to do the thing they're afraid to do. The people with the birthmark are the one's who's life's end serves as a possible catalyst to change the world, they're the ones that are bound to fall and shine on their way down inspiring others to see the world in a different way.
Like it’s the symbol of “the chosen one:”
Yo these are great but I just figured it was a shooting star, make a wish reference.
I agree. I think in the book they were all meant to be one soul, but I think the film leans more into the actors playing their own souls (however all connected). For sure though, the shooting stars are all the revolutionaries needed to move forward.
Mind blown. I'm here after reading about the oppression of peoples across the ages until our current capitalist corporatocracy, after a dozen Ayahuasca ceremonies, after watching Sense 8, and finally revisiting Cloud Atlas, accessing even more layers of its message. Your video has beautifully captured the perennial philosophies that describe our existence and the key to our liberation: love. Thank you so much. Much love to you, my friend.
Thank you for taking the time to present this. I confess that I too allowed my superficial prejudices (an aversion to the aesthetic aspects of the presentation of this narrative) to dismiss this film at the outset. Had I not encountered your analysis, I would not have revisited this film.
So, thank you.
You're welcome! I am happy to read this! :D
Just watched the movie yesterday, so this video had perfect timing! It might have been the greatest movie I will ever have watched and this video did it justice. It's a shame it didn't generate profit. I guess in order to see what this movie is really all about you need to have a certain openness to eastern culture
@Scott Johnstone Not here in Utah - I was 17 before I was exposed to any eastern philosophy. Thank god I was, it set my mind free.
Unfortunately, I feel like in this country, the majority of people have succumbed to an instant gratification type of entertainment and social structure and would prefer to steer clear of anything thought provoking. However, there are still some of us out there that like to be engaged and challenged by our entertainment. The ideas and philosophical questions that this film left me with have been more entertaining than the film itself, which is saying a lot.
I guess I would be considered an "easterner" who grew up in "eastern culture". But I honestly don't think this movie has that much to do with eastern culture, except perhaps the insinuations about reincarnation. But like Tom Tykwer said in an interview, this film is meant to be open to interpretations. Whether you buy into reincarnation or not, its general message about cause and effect should be uncontroversial. The movie is a lot more than just karmic retributions or reincarnation.
@@suzdbombcat4006 Looking back over a year later, yeah I think you're right. Eastern culture has little to do with this movie. As you said, it's about cause and effect. When I watched the movie, I really fell in love with the idea that your actions can transcend your lifetime, even if you are a "nobody", whether you believe in reincarnation or not
I'm not sure about eastern culture specifically, but about humanity in general.
I strongly believe in causality, and not coincidences. I came across this movie in a very strange way, liking a song in a playlist on Spotify, not knowing from where it was. A few days ago, I listen to the same song (Cloud Atlas Theme) and then start looking who wrote it and learned that it was the theme for this movie. I asked myself why now, February 2022, was the first time I heard about this? Watching trailers, I saw that it should be the kind of movie I would love, why didn’t I see it back in 2012. Upon watching Cloud Atlas, and now watching this video, I finally understand why. I was simply not prepared; I would have discarded like the critics did. Now I know, now I understand, now I see everything that led me to the song, the movie, and your video. Thank you!
Recommended nonfiction reading:
Roots of Coincidence
by Arthur Koestler
Mannn that was beautiful, once again great work.... “what we do in life echos in eternity”
Thank you!!!
This movie makes me ugly cry, in weird ways throughout the full movie. It was and is one of the most powerful movies I’ve ever watched.
Your breakdown is AMAZING!!
You so elegantly put it into words
I have always found this movie to be the closest explanation to "what is really going on" more than most religions.
And quite honestly it explains karma and most of the working of the universe in a rounded out way.
Yeah, this film impacted me pretty hard... and it did that by making me decide to read the book. Now I hadn’t read a book in maybe 5-7 years, but the book was amazing and it made me fall in love with reading again, and I’ve read hundreds of books in the last 2-3 years since I read cloud atlas, and that even got me to start writing myself... which is something I had always wanted to do but never got around to. I wonder if I would have ever gone down this path if I never saw this film.
BTW... the book does a really interesting method of telling the stories... each of the 6 stories are stacked to where each “teller” or main character of each story is being experienced in some way by the character in the next story... Adam Ewing’s journal is being read by Froubercher... his story is told in the form of the letters he sends to sixsmith, which is read by Luisa Rey, her mystery story is a manuscript being read by the Publisher, who wrote his own book about his escape which is turned into a film which is found by Sonmi and her story is told to the Archivist which is seen by Zachary ... each story is interrupted halfway through for some reason, Froubercher can only find half of the journal of Adam Ewing for example... so the stories are stacked together like a Matryoshka, a Russian Nesting Doll 🪆... like 1-2-3-4-5-6-5-4-3-2-1... so the book (while about MANY things, mostly cannibalism and slavery and humans preying on each other... (“the weak are meat, the strong do eat”) (the literal slavery in story 1, how Vivyan enslaved his emanuensis, the cannibalism of the oil companies in the Luisa Rey story, Cavendish is imprisoned by a company preying on the elderly is a cannibalistic metaphor (soylent green is people! Soylent green is made of people!) the sonmi story’s slavery AND cannibalism is both the most obvious and direct, and Zachary and his tribe is literally being hunted by literal cannibals) ...it’s also very much about how stories are a huge part of the string that connects humanity through time as well as just an important part of humanity in general. Such a great book.
Plato
This is SOO well done and appreciated. Thanks for putting your time into these videos. Time is precious. It was not wasted on this.
nolongerhuman13 Thank YOU!!
Yes- this was well thought out & very insightful. As much as I think this movie was amazing, I know a few aren’t going to get the plot at all,& say it was boring, which is a pity.
From the very first watch, I knew this was no ordinary movie. As a non-native English speaker, it took me several watches to be able to grasp what is exactly - in this masterpiece- that gives me butterflies and drowns me into an existential crisis all at once; several messages emerging into one; the truth about existence. And I've looked everywhere for some article or essay that would help me see and put two and two together but there was nothing to be found since not many people give it a chance. Until now, finding this video feels like the climax my brain has been seeking ever since I watched the movie a few years ago. Very well written essay, great analysis, marvelous editing with breathtaking imagery.
This video is the only video essay that would ever amount to the same masterpiece-iness of the movie.
That means so much to me. Thank you!
Thank you for the best explanation I've seen of one of my favorite movies. I was surprised when this film didn't get the recognition it deserves, but with time I've come to understand that, much like some of the characters show us, we are at different points along the path and it's all ok. This is a film for some of us to treasure in the same way others treasure action films. Now I feel what's important is that we too have something that shows beautifully what we resonate with.
Hopefully your wonderful breakdown will help more people see beyond their first impression of it. I'm subscribing and sharing! Thank you! ✌🏽💖
Probably the most underrated movie of modern times. There are so many deep and relevant themes here... I wish schools could dissect it. I'd put it in that same category as George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four... which I deem the most important book on earth.
great video, but I don't think each soul split like you said. Each actor played the same soul throughout the movie, and each soul did their part in each story. The birthmark was like a torch being handed down, it was also a symbol of redemption for whichever soul that bore it in that particular story. As each soul held the "torch", they not only redeemed their soul for past or future deeds, but did it's part in changing human history.
The best part about great movies such as this, it stimulates people's minds, so that, many different interpretations can be made from everyone!
Reflects my idea of the meaning of the birthmark. 👍
I interpreted it this way as well.
In the book the birthmark was referring to the same soul.
In the movie, it was kind of replaced by characters actor signifying same soul, overriding the soul story. I actually had completely disregarded the birthmark in the movie as being meaningful, but the way this video puts it, maybe it could be possible to still draw some meaning from it. Not sure. I'd have to watch the movie again with this lense.
Films like Cloud Atlas are the type of things I prefer to occupy my mind with. It's always getting me to think about the complexities of life and what goes on in the world around us.
I’m going to admit something… I lived my life consistently afraid. Afraid of the future, of death, of regret, and afraid that there was nothing waiting for us when we die. No second chance in a new life, no lost loved ones greeting me in paradise, and no god to ask what we were meant for. I was stuck, awake, at night with nothing but these thoughts echoing in my head, and it hurt me more than anything. It would be a while before I found my way to quiet these thoughts, and I didn’t understand why it worked. Your analysis of this film helped me understand, and I thank you.
Edit: for context, I first saw this video 2 years ago, I didn’t find my solution until 6 months ago, and I made the connection about three weeks ago, this is me voicing my gratitude.
I don't even know what to say... this is exactly why I do what I do... you are so welcome... and thank you for sharing that with me. I feel a lot better reading that
It seriously amazes me how slept on this movie is. I remember crying after watching it in theaters. Dude you did a great job on this vid
I just saw this film, 2021. It has changed me. This video has changed me. Thank you. Cloud atlas is exceptional, the perfect story, perfect film, for an imperfect humanity.
I work alone, long hours, and have found video essays and podcasts to keep me company. When this video began, the name of your channel and the intro almost made me skip this video. I'm so glad I stayed. Thank you so much for this review. I think I'll re-see the movie through your eyes now.
This is beyond doubt the best movie I have ever seen.
*Here's a BIG CRAZY THEORY:*
This may be totally off base, but a thought occurred to me as you were talking about *the split of civilizations* in [2311?] Zachary's timeline after the fall of humanity... Cannibals and the technologically advanced...
Historians claim certain theories regarding advanced ancient civilizations. The most popular being ancient Egypt. How they needed advanced technology to build the pyramids, to have had great knowledge of the stars to line them up with Orion's belt (perhaps a map, or something like Somni-451's last stand location?), among many other creations/concepts.
Meanwhile, or shortly after, we hear stories of colonists coming to the Americas and elsewhere to find rampant cannibalism & human sacrifice. All over the world really.
Is it possible, that this is the story of the human race repeating the same events? That somehow, this has all happened before, and is destined to happen again?
That our advanced ancestors left a desolate and broken Earth to go off world, and left the remaining amount of people to start over, thrive, and evolve once more.
We are on our way to a Neo Seoul now, and eventually (now a current goal) leaving an over populated, destroyed & collapsing planet to recycle (again, perhaps once more).
Who knows...but the similarity is mind blowing 🤯
Just a thought I'd throw into the ether 🌠
History repeats. Is's all about cycles.
Heyy you just said something that I recall reading from an ancient Hindu text. *About the 4 yugas of a one complete cycle repeating itself during the course of time.* You should definitely look that up.
According to the text we are now in the Kali Yuga, the time during which consciousness will be limited,also called the age of darkness, which is the last one amongst the 4. The next Yuga will be the beginning of a new Satya Yuga which is the 1st one amongst the 4.
please read "Magicians of the gods" there is concrete evidence that came out very recently that supports your theory. If you read it you will find out that it isn't a theory and top geologists are beginning to realize this. In western culture!
@@ErikMitchell GRAHAM HANCOCK is who I thought of when I read his comment, interesting
Seen this for the first time in 2016 and with no background knowledge of it. Ever since the first watch, I crowned this as my favorite movie. I would've never imagined I'd find a movie that i truly resonate with. This movie is truly art! 🌫💫⛵️
I've watched this movie at least 20 times and I feel like I finally understand what I've seen. Thank you. I knew there was a relation between the different characters but I didn't understand what tied them together.
It's beautiful to me how you quote the movie with the same inflections as the characters. Cloud Atlas, this video, your heart... It's all... We're all so human😍🥹
The movie is brilliant. They took it at face value and I was blown away at the lower scores after watching it. It is one of the more complex and deep stories I've ever watched.
Thank you for this. Cloud Atlas is not a movie, it's a yummy experience! My friends don't understand it, I need to get smarter friends!
You are most welcome. And, people will never know what they will not experience for themselves !
I remember renting this movie from a Redbox. I watched it and loved it. To this day, none of my family or friends have seen this incredible piece of work. If this movie touched your soul, we could probably be friends
I watched this movie three times in a row after the first time I watched it. I had recently lost my job and my long time fiancé and was withdrawing from terrible pain killers…
But that was over a decade ago.
Truly, a trying time in my life. Also, that’s how I had 9+ hours to marathon it over and over.
This movie changed my life and they way I see it. I’ve tried to show friends this movie and you’re correct- at least for myself, I could t find anyone it connected with like it did me.
Thank you for the awesome video and reminding why I chose life :)
Wow I am honoured to be a reminder that life is worth living !!
I love this movie. I had to watch it six times to understand it! Call me slow! But once I grasp the concept of it, I watched it over 100 times agains! Love!!! Thanks for the review.
This is a brilliant overview of a complex story line and at the same time, a light that illuminates the fork in the road of life that crosses many streets...
I highly highly highly appreciate you saying so!!!
,,n
I sat in stunned silence when the movie ended silently crying throughout the credits, wallked out, bought a ticket and went back to its next showing
Great presentation... I read the book. It was the best novel I have ever. David Mitchells writing was incredible... The film didn't disappoint but I can understand the general reaction to it... The movie and the book will last the test of time though and will be recognised as a classic... I loved it.. it's a legacy story A time story.. a soul story...
I am just beginning your (what I am suspecting will be awesome) video and I had to pause to make this comment: when I first viewed the film, I would jump on a rebounder to exercise while watching and generally finished feature films into "jumping sessions." This film took three sessions.
At the end of the first session (indeed, probably pretty close to the 40-minute mark) I too contemplated not continuing to watch the film and slipping in another DVD and starting a new film from scratch. I also thank the forces of life for stopping me from doing so!!
When it came to the second session of jumping and viewing, I was starting to applaud the fact that I continued to watch the film and it was growing more interesting. By the third session, I realized I had come across one of the greatest works of art ever created on this planet. ... Now I will continue watching your video :-)
Who's here in 2020 because Netflix added Cloud Atlas and you just finished watching it? Magnificent film and book! Haunting.
Saw this movie in the theater and although I didn’t hate it, I didn’t get it. Then, years later, me and a friend decided to take some LSD and watch some weird movies. We were scrolling through and saw that this was available to stream. My friend, who loves the matrix, hadn’t seen this. He asked if it was good. I believe my exact words were, “it’s on some shit.” So we pressed play and took the journey. And what a journey it was. I understood it all. And by the end I was in tears. It was so amazing we decided to immediately watch it again. I cried again. It quickly became one of my favorite films. If you’re having trouble understanding or even trying to get into the film, and have experience with psychedelics, take some L and press play. You won’t be sorry.
It's a universal battle between the head and the heart which plays out across time and space. Sometimes you need to experience what you are not to know what you are. Sometimes you need to look beyond the surface to get to the core of the story. Essentially, it's expressions of the same story told concurrently across the ages. What's the strongest force in the universe? What's the highest governing principle on all planes of existence? Is it survival of the fittest no matter the consequences or is there a hunger no matter can satisfy? The life force of the heart that hungers for love. The love of freedom, the love of expression, love of life, love of connection & the love of virtue. A true masterpiece philosophically, artistically & experientially.
As a product of multiculturalism and a student of history and anthropology i have for ever felt connected too the universe. As my body grow my mind matures and understanding humanity is too be truly human.
However i love the way you explained it for other who did not completly grasped the profound meaning of life itself. Therefore i salute you. I am no one. We all are one!
One love
Thank you for recognizing my efforts . One love my friend !
I remember seeing Cloud Atlas the first time when I was 18 with a group of my friends. No one else really understood the film except for me and one other guy, we both sat after the credits began and just simultaneously said "whoa." I don't think I've ever had a film instill in me such a feeling of sheer bliss through universal understanding.
I have spent countless nights trying to make sense of the feelings associated with this film... thank you for this amazing and life changing break down of the masterpiece
I think of this movie all the time. I loved it and immediately went to get the book. It quite truly changed the way I know view the world. I think it’s the best movie I have ever seen.
I just watched cloud atlas for the first time and I feel like part of me have been shattered to pieces. I never thought I could describe a movie as “haunting” but here we are this is one of those works that could fundamentally changed a person. Lana and lily are far from perfect filmmakers (to be fair no one ever is) but their ambitions and creativity never ceased to amaze me. Doesn’t matter if you love the overall message it’s always a treat to watch their work. And when they hit all the right spots （like cloud atlas and sense 8 have in my opinion）it’s perfect.
I think the fact that this film made so little money says a lot about consumerism. The content we are given is driven by profit and unfortunately deep gems like Cloud Atlas are rarely given the big budget treatment. I enjoyed this film immensely in the cinema, although I wasn't able to appreciate it fully until I bought the DVD. One of my favourite films. I don't think that the birthmark signified the same soul. I think it marks a significant life for each of the souls. A life that leaves something behind that will influence the next soul with the mark if that makes any sense. Great piece though! Really enjoyed. Gonna watch the film again now as I can't get the symphony out my head! Much love.
Cloud Atlas changed how I view life. I think it is a masterpiece. The music from the movie has become such an important theme for my own life, I have told all who know me that I wish for this music to be played at my funeral someday.
I have to agree with this assertion that Cloud Atlas is a masterpiece. I remember seeing it in the theater and being blown away. It's not normal to see a big-budget movie this deep. I told all my friends to go see this. They came back with horrible reviews. What did I see that they didn't. Well, it wasn't the matrix, it wasn't simple. It wasn't obvious. It was a sensitive and deliberate look at oppression, philosophy, and spirituality over time. I think this is a movie in 40 years that will be remembered as great. I do not think it was meant for the time it was made, it will be appreciated in future generations when these ideas are more commonplace. When people are more accustomed to these big ideas for this time. I use this movie as a way to see how aware a person is.
I watched the movie many times as well as read the book, re-reading passages often. Studied various philosophical implications for the movie and its themes. The movie has been a catalyst for awakening. A confirmation of things already known on some level. Happy to have a slightly larger than golf ball sized consciousness. A masterpiece.
After going through a spiritual awakening, the analysis done in this video, especially towards the end, is greatly admired and appreciated. Thank you! 😇
No matter how many time watch this movie, every time got impact on me. MUST WATCH!
When I first saw this film I was hit by a wall of awareness that exploded in my mind and opened my eyes to humanity. I would suggest to others to read Desiderata.
This was an hour that was so worth my time. Thank you for explaining this beautiful film. I knew it was brilliant but I just couldn't understand it.
Incredible analysis and explanation. I have been waiting to find someone who so eloquently portrays the themes and truths from this masterpiece of a film. Thank you 🙏🏽
Saying thank you for creating such a video analysis is the least I can do.. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You're most welcome!!
I've always thought of it as two competing philosopies. First is based in the here and now which is - The weak are meat, and the strong will eat.
That is in conflict with taking a longer view which is - By each crime, and every kindness, we birth our future.
While some seem fated to repeat their pasts, others are able to change the role they play, without understanding why. If one follows Tom Hanks' characters they change from bad to good as time passes.
Well done!!! Thank you. IMHO Cloud Atlas is THE BEST movie about reincarnation I have ever seen.
In two words. “BUTTERFLY EFFECT”
I highly recommend reading the book Cloud Atlas. It’s so rare to feel the heart and soul of a book equally so in the film adaptation but this is one of those rare examples.
Thank you for this. A dear friend recommended this movie and I was honestly very confused when I watched it two nights ago. I often think about how important it is to think for myself, to come to “conclusions”... So I was disheartened by the thought that I hadn’t understood the point of the story, especially since I found the cast and creators so compelling, and the film so aesthetically pleasing. But something inside me knew there had to be an explanation, or better yet, a window with a friend, through which I would see Cloud Atlas more clearly.
Grateful 🙏🏻✨❤️
Cloud Atlas was a film that changed my life... it was truly remarkable... like inception, interstellar etc... I would love a series that goes in depth of all storylines
I am a huge critic of the fantastical tenets of postmodernism. But I also appreciate and love damned good writing. The book is so damned good. I love Faulkner. I love poetic prose. I’ve been writing my whole life and have only been praised but dammit if Mitchell’s mastery of writing doesn’t make any writer jealous they are being dishonest. His wielding of style, his consistency, the depths of philosophy and narrative devices he explores without leaving one stead in-fastened is marvelous. His accurate and creative use of language, history, philosophy, and how he seamlessly blends those with different genres and tone is such a huge undertaking but he did so so fluidly.
To make a movie of that book would be so hard and expensive. But for what they had (six-hundred pages distilled into three hours normally serves zeros justice to the source material) the production team and directors actually pulled it off. Cinematically one doesn’t even have to have read the book to appreciate it. If you have read it (multiple times like I have-it’s so good and I’m a faulknerian type but my appreciate for Bradbury maybe kept my mind open) and I can even tip my hat to the literary liberties the screenwriters took to tie in the parallels present in the book to fit them into the screen. Good literature and movie making is rarely appreciated by the masses or box offices so I have no gripe. I’m just here to say everyone involved- from Mitchell to those who adapted his book to the screen- did so with integrity and appreciation and did it so well. Props to everyone, even those who gave the works their time.
1 0 0 % BRILLIANT, INSPIRING, HONEST
ANALYSIS. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR YOUR OPINION ON THE STORY. OUR WOUNDED WORLD NEEDS THIS LEVEL OF REFLEXION.
You put the feeling that I get everytime I watch this movie into such beautiful, accurate words! My life was fundamentally changed by this movie, and I'm so thankful that I gave it a chance.
I cannot stress it enough how much I loved your video. Cloud Atlas is my absolute favourite movie, I probably watched it 7-9 times already since 2012. The story really resonated with me and I felt that I have an intuitive understanding of it, like I felt the idea behind it, but I could never phrase it in such a clear way as you did. Thank you for your work!
Life is more precious than " competition, profiteering, and dominating"...AMEN...
We all need to lift each other up and call out injustices no matter what sex, gender, or orientation.
We all have a soul..WE ARE HUMAN.
but the rat race, jealousy, greed, evil envy is the root of evil...
Duuuuuuude. You did it....
Climbed a mountain for this one, even had the scare of it being blocked when it was finished.
WHEW.
Dude, Nailed IT! Love this Movie!
Thanks for an interesting interpretation. I have a different interpretation of the overarching meaning: I see the shooting star birthmark showing the connection the different reincarnating characters share with one another. The all play their part in the development of human society over time. Individually one soul could not dictate the entire course of human history, but together they all play a part in the eternal struggle between oppressive and progressive forces.
Just wow... When I saw the movie, I thought it is a Masterpiece but that I lost much details. After the summary of all philosophies and secrets behind it it's just mind boggling. Thank you for your time and work you put in this video. I think you've touched a to of people with it. Me definitely :)
Question on the other reincarnations. When watching it with a film club we largely agreed that the reincarnation is not the same actor but the villains are all one and the soulmates of the main soul all one reincarnation. I personally feel that the incarnations being presented that way would better fit the messages and themes of the movie. Additionally, I feel it creates an impeccable representation how certain souls are entangled through out the expanse of time.
I like that a lot! It does make sense of a few inconsistencies such as the fact that Luisa Rey and Timothy Cavendish were both alive at one point.
I shall watch this again tonight with a glass of wine! My thanks 🙏
Sounds like a good time! :)
I watched Cloud Atlas and found it very difficult but had a feeling it was trying to convey something deeply important to me. I grasped a few pieces of the subplot but what you have shared here opens it up wide and YES - it is a masterpiece that I will watch again and maybe again. I don't know if the intent is even possible to convey in such a small format. I wonder if it would do better as a series and maybe more narration. Maybe someone will try it again. Thank You Angry Hippie.
This is probably the most intricate and perfect explanation that could have been put together. Thank you for allowing me to find what I was searching for this evening.
Im so happy about this video. I immediately had to watch Cloud Atlas a second time, right after watching it the first time, because I was just in awe of what I experienced. It all coming together at the end, the music, the emotional intelligence of writers and actors, it just soaked me up and left me inspired. When I later figured that practically no one was enjoying this movie, I was extremely confused. I guess it is a long movie and you‘d have to watch carefully, so I‘m happy you made this video so some people would try giving it a go.
Nice work :)
I adore this movie and only had to watch it once to get it. Everyone I know didn't get it and that makes me sad. Great video. Thank you.
I share your pain! Thank you for watching!
Same i kinda knew they were all the same soul because of their birthmarks and because of the same characteristics they all shared
As Tom Hanks’ biggest fan, I saw the (6-minute long) trailer before the movie was released, and immediately felt a connection I still cannot put into words. I was lucky to have read the novel before seeing the masterpiece in theaters, so I understood what was happening the first time I watched it. I only came to the theater to watch it FIVE additional times (and many more times at home) because the experience I feel every time I watch it is like being able to open my eyes for the first time in my life, like I can finally catch my breath. I’ve had extreme anxiety for as long as I can remember because the whole concept of “consciousness” terrifies me. It scares me to think about what I am and whether or not I am “real”. Scares me so much, I cannot feel my own heartbeat without fainting! But when Cloud Atlas came into my life, for the first time, I felt less afraid, less alone. Watching your video, I have that same feeling...just to know there are other people in the world that “get it”. Thank you so much.
P.S. (I love your addition of the scene from Interstellar...my second favorite movie 😊)
Perfect book, perfect movie and perfect summary review.
Cloud atlas....the ultimate movie. I am surprised to learn it wasn't popular. I love it from the moment I saw it (2nd time) Just watched it on Thanksgiving with a lover. Which led me to this video. And how did this video make my cry and feel angle kisses on my whole being in tingles and just love and connectedness. Great video! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Excellent work, thank you for your time and work! I would love to see one on Interstellar.
Great idea! Thank you!
I watched this twice. Amazing