Cloud Atlas Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Reincarnated actors fight over the concept of free will through a bunch of loosely-connected historical dramas, a futuristic dystopia, and some post-apocalyptic babble, proving that the Wachowskis can still make bafflingly ambitious movies.

🍿 Cloud Atlas: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Adam Ewing – 1849

Set in 1849, Adam Ewing, a young American lawyer, travels to the Chatham Islands to finalize a business deal involving Maori slaves. During his voyage, he rescues Autua, a runaway slave, and gradually becomes aware of the horrors of slavery and the insidious poisoning attempts by Dr. Goose.

Robert Frobisher – 1936

In 1936, Robert Frobisher, a talented but troubled composer, becomes an amanuensis to the aging composer Vyvyan Ayrs. He begins composing his own masterpiece, the “Cloud Atlas Sextet,” while grappling with his homosexuality and the oppressive environment created by Ayrs. This storyline explores themes of artistic creation, forbidden love, and societal constraints.

Luisa Rey – 1973

In 1973, Luisa Rey, an ambitious journalist, investigates a conspiracy surrounding a faulty nuclear power plant. She uncovers a report that could expose the plant’s dangerous flaws, putting her in the crosshairs of powerful corporate interests. This segment is a thriller highlighting themes of corporate greed and the pursuit of truth.

Timothy Cavendish – 2012

In 2012, Timothy Cavendish, a publisher, finds himself on the run from vengeful gangsters after publishing a book by a criminal. Seeking refuge with his brother, he’s instead tricked into a nursing home against his will. This darkly comedic segment explores themes of freedom, aging, and societal control through a satirical lens.

Sonmi-451 – 2144

In Neo Seoul in 2144, Sonmi-451, a fabricant (clone), begins to awaken to the injustice of her society. She’s exposed to forbidden knowledge and philosophical ideas by a rebel, Hae-Joo, and begins to question her purpose. This storyline presents a dystopian future exploring themes of slavery, rebellion, and the fight for individuality.

Zachry – Post-Apocalyptic Hawaii

Set in a post-apocalyptic Hawaii, Zachry, a tribesman, struggles with his past cowardice and the influence of a deity figure named Old Georgie. When Meronym, a member of an advanced society, arrives seeking help, Zachry must overcome his fears to guide her. This segment examines themes of redemption, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Adam Ewing (Jim Sturgess): A morally conflicted American lawyer in 1849 who evolves in his understanding of slavery after befriending a runaway.
• Robert Frobisher (Ben Whishaw): A talented but troubled composer in 1936, struggling with his art and his forbidden love.
• Luisa Rey (Halle Berry): A determined journalist in 1970s uncovering a dangerous conspiracy related to a nuclear power plant.
• Timothy Cavendish (Jim Broadbent): A comedic publisher in modern-day England, desperately trying to escape from an unexpected and unjust confinement.
• Sonmi-451 (Bae Doona): A fabricant (clone) in a futuristic Korea who becomes a revolutionary icon after experiencing awakening.
• Zachry (Tom Hanks): A tribesman in post-apocalyptic Hawaii, haunted by past cowardice, who helps an advanced woman contact off-world humans.
• Dr. Henry Goose (Tom Hanks): A devious doctor in 1849 who is revealed to be poisoning Adam Ewing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sonmi-451: “Our lives are not our own. From womb to tomb, we are bound to others. Past and present. And by each crime and every kindness, we birth our future.” – This is the central philosophical statement of the film, spoken by Sonmi-451 during her deposition.
• Robert Frobisher: “There is only one truth.” – This quote encapsulates the search for meaning that runs through all the storylines.
• Zachry: “I think you mistake fear for caution.” – Zachry’s overcoming of fear is a key part of the post-apocalyptic narrative.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $102,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,108,272
• Worldwide Gross: $130,516,424

💥 Cloud Atlas Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Cloud Atlas is…a lot. The first time I watched it, I was completely overwhelmed by the shifting timelines and all the actors playing multiple roles. I remember being especially struck by the Neo Seoul storyline and Doona Bae’s performance. Her emotional transformation felt real, and I was invested in her fight for freedom. The ending did leave me feeling hopeful, despite all the chaos.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction and fantasy”
  • “Viewers interested in philosophical themes”
  • “Those who appreciate complex, non-linear storytelling”
  • “Admirers of ambitious and visually stunning films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Mature themes including slavery and oppression”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Some disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Cloud Atlas is visually stunning and ambitious, but the interwoven storylines become convoluted and detract from the emotional impact. The makeup is often distracting, pulling you out of the story instead of immersing you.
• Wall Street Journal: “Joe Morgenstern negatively reviewed Cloud Atlas in the Wall Street Journal, stating the the film is beautifully photographed, elegantly crafted and adventurously cast. Unfortunately, though, it plays like a gargantuan trailer for a movie still to be made.
• Roger Ebert: “Roger Ebert gave a mostly positive review of the film stating that on second viewing he was still trying to put things together and it doesn’t matter. It’s like looking at a painting on repeated visits to a museum, maybe the works of Breughel or Bosch.

Audience Reactions

The makeup and costumes were absolutely stunning, making the actors nearly unrecognizable in their various roles.: Viewers loved the film’s ambition and the way it tackled big themes like reincarnation and interconnectedness.

Many found it confusing, with the constant switching between storylines making it hard to get emotionally invested.: Some audience were just too confused to get anything from the movie

Overall Consensus: Cloud Atlas is a polarizing film. While praised for its ambition, scope, and visual artistry, it’s also criticized for being convoluted, pretentious, and overlong. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s a unique cinematic experience.

Awards

1. German Film Awards (Best Cinematography)- 2013
2. German Film Awards (Best Makeup)- 2013
3. Saturn Award (Best Science Fiction Film)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Natalie Portman was originally promised the role of Sonmi-451 but had to decline due to pregnancy; she receives a special thanks in the credits.”
• “The filmmakers sought input from author David Mitchell throughout the screenwriting process to ensure the adaptation stayed true to the spirit of the novel.”
• “With a budget of $102 million, it is one of the most expensive independent films ever made.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cloud Atlas?

Cloud Atlas is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and subscription options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cloud Atlas, you might like these similar films:

• The Fountain (2006): Explores themes of love, death, and spirituality through interconnected storylines across different time periods.
• Mr. Nobody (2009): Deals with the concept of choice and its impact on multiple realities and timelines.
• Sense8 (2015-2018): A TV series created by the Wachowskis that explores interconnectedness and shared experiences among a group of strangers around the world.
• Primer (2004): Delves into the complexities and paradoxes of time travel, requiring close attention to follow the intricate plot.

🛒 Cloud Atlas Related Products

• Cloud Atlas [Blu-ray]: Own the visually stunning and thought-provoking film on Blu-ray. Experience the interconnected stories in high definition with crisp audio.
• Cloud Atlas: A Novel by David Mitchell: Delve deeper into the source material with David Mitchell’s acclaimed novel. Explore the nuances of the characters and themes that the film only scratches the surface of.
• Cloud Atlas Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Immerse yourself in the evocative music that ties the film’s many stories together. The ‘Cloud Atlas Sextet’ is a particularly beautiful and memorable piece.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Cloud Atlas – Sonmi-451: Add the Sonmi-451 Funko Pop to your collection. Depicting the Fabricant revolutionary from the Neo Seoul storyline. A great way to display your fandom.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cloud Atlas features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cloud Atlas Sextet” – performed by Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil
• “Prelude – Cloud Atlas Sextet” – performed by Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil
• “Looking For Freedom” – performed by David Hasselhoff

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cloud Atlas Generic Interview – Doona Bae & Jim Sturgess

Curious about the behind-the-scenes story of Cloud Atlas? Watch this interview with two of its stars to hear their perspectives on the film and their roles.

✨ Rate