I fully expected all the negative reviews for this film here on IMDb. Yes, it was a complex film but not impossible to comprehend. You had six separate stories utilizing multiple actors in multiple roles spanning across three centuries, with what I saw as a common theme - an unending struggle and quest for freedom, creativity, truth and beauty. There's also the overarching idea that the elites of any society will use what ability and power they have to subjugate those who they deem inferior. Consider George Orwell's "1984". What's particularly exceptional is the editing, some of the time switches occur within seconds, bringing the viewer from one time dimension to the next flawlessly. In that regard, I must caution the viewer that paying attention is of the utmost importance, or for those not engaged in the picture, not important at all. Simply said, this movie will not appeal to everyone, however it's fluid style and interesting chronology makes for a compelling story about many stories, with hints of reincarnation and standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before. Prepare for a genuine experience.

This is one of those experiences that defy explanation (similar to the one I had watching "2001: A Space Odyssey"). I had read the book a year before and if you had asked me to pick a book that could never be made into a movie, I would have easily selected this. How wrong I was. This masterful concoction kept me intrigued for nearly three hours and yet I'm still trying to figure things out. I agree with the late Roger Ebert that even with two or three viewings, I am still trying to put this all together. It doesn't matter. It's like looking at a painting on repeated visits to a museum, maybe the works of Breughel or Bosch. There are some themes that run through the multiple characters' existences, touching on oppression and endurance of the human soul. The performances are wonderful. I would imagine that the likes of Tom Hanks must have been in heaven, extending their acting chops. I need to watch the film again, but for now will leave it to those more intellectually astute to look at the implications of the tenets of this film. I would recommend it as an experience everyone should have.

The last time I felt like this after seeing a movie was when I saw "Inception" on opening night. I realized I was seeming something that was different, creative, and classic.

Cloud Atlas is an amazing piece of film. Even the harshest of critics cannot say that this film is not ambitious. But I think that 99% of the people that see this film will appreciate it. I'm NOT one who tends to like films that are overly "artistic" (I hated "Tree of Life", for example). But while the overall message of the film is hard to put into words, it is easy to understand. The film is very watchable, and the nearly 3 hour length seems to fly by. The stories are sharply written, and for those who are afraid of getting "lost" while viewing, no worries ... you'll enjoy seeing clues that link the stories, but even if you miss the clues you still will see a story that is well explained and easier to consume than an experimental art film.

I am absolutely shocked that the reviews from the "experts" have not been more favorable, and the lack of box office sales is a crime. Please go see this movie - if you can see one film this year, this is the one!