Watch Across the Universe

Across the Universe is a 2007 musical drama film directed by Julie Taymor and written by Taymor and Dick Clement, based on an original story by Taymor. The film follows a group of young people in the 1960s as they navigate through political and cultural upheaval and explore the themes of love, war, and personal identity. The story centers around Jude (Jim Sturgess), a young man from Liverpool who travels to the United States in search of his father. Along the way, he meets Max (Joe Anderson), a fellow artist, and falls in love with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), a sheltered American girl from a wealthy family.

As the relationship between Jude and Lucy develops, they are swept up in the cultural and political revolution of the time. They encounter characters based on real-life figures such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin and become involved with protests against the Vietnam War.

One of the most unique aspects of Across the Universe is its use of the music of the Beatles, with the characters singing and performing the band's classic songs as part of the narrative. The soundtrack features renditions of classic Beatles tunes such as "All My Loving," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be," as well as lesser-known tracks like "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" and "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!"

The film is visually stunning, with creative set designs and costumes that capture the vibrant and colorful spirit of the 1960s. Director Julie Taymor, known for her work on Broadway productions such as The Lion King and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, brings her signature style to the film, incorporating elements of puppetry and theatricality into the visuals.

The performances by the main cast are also noteworthy, particularly Evan Rachel Wood as the conflicted Lucy and Jim Sturgess as the charming and earnest Jude. Joe Anderson, who plays Max, also delivers a standout performance and adds depth to his character's journey throughout the film.

While the plot can at times feel disjointed or overly ambitious, with various subplots and themes vying for attention, the film ultimately succeeds in capturing the essence of the countercultural movement of the 1960s and the power of music to bring people together.

Across the Universe is a love letter to the Beatles, the 1960s, and the power of art and music to inspire political and cultural change. It is a visual and auditory feast that transports viewers back in time and captures the spirit of a generation.

Across the Universe is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 56.