Across the Universe

Like the film "The Wall" this movie uses music from The Beatles to tell a story of love, and life in the 60's. The hippy culture of the period becomes present through the acts of the Vietnam War and the lyrics of "All You Need is Love". The movie sets a tone of destruction and power in the scene "She's So Heavy" when the soldiers are metaphorically carrying the statue of liberty over the Vietnamese landscape. The contrasting scenes between war and drugs tell the vibe of rebellion against the institution. The power of love is written in the words and felt in the movement of the story. From start to finish this film tells a narrative of Jude and his quest for the holy power. His outsider status lets the viewer see his journey without the connection of American liability. His life is lost in the waves of disconnect, and the holy power of love brings him back.