“You say you want a revolution…” *** The movie “Across the Universe” brings viewers just that: a revolution. The movie gives life to the most famous Beatles songs ever made. Julie Taymor, the director of the movie, wanted to direct a movie what “investigates the 60s.” She used Beatles songs concerning love and political views to tell the story of a group of friends dealing with universal issues. “I really want young people to see the passion in this movie--to see with what fervor these characters investigate themselves into social movements as well as self-exploration,” Taylor said. The movie tells the story of Jude, a young man from England (“Hey Jude”) who moves to America to find his father. There, he meets Max and his beautiful sister, Lucy (“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”).

Jude and Lucy fall in love and over 30 Beatles’ songs reveal their life-explorations and life in the 60s.

The movie is full of interesting characters, which are all part of Beatles’ songs, like Prudence, Sadie, and Jo-Jo. Each character reveals a deep issue that is still relevant for day. Max is drafted to the war in Vietnam, while Prudence is fighting a lost love for Sadie. Sadie and Jo-Jo present a love-hate relationship that deals with racism and culture in the 60s. At the same time, Lucy is getting involved in anti-war movement, while Jude is spending his time drawing to make money and develops an attitude that is total opposite of Lucy, when it comes to war. The only cast member with film experience is Evan Rachel Wood, who plays Lucy. Jim Sturgess, who plays Jude, was cast in England with no doubt in Taylor’s mind that he was the right Jude.

“We did not want musical theater voices and we did not want pop-y voices,” Taylor said. Taylor truly discovers amazing voices and actors with this movie. In addition, the special effects contribute greatly to portray the 60s with abstract scenes and out of the screen magic.

The soundtrack for the movie is another treasure for the Beatles fans. 16 out of the 30 Beatles songs are included on the soundtrack sang by the cast members.

“It was really scary having the legacy of the Beatles’ music on your shoulders because it’s the Holy Grail,” Taylor said. In this film, Taylor accomplished both satisfying true Beatles’ fans and portraying the 60s. Overall, it is a must-see movie that creates a new meaning to the Beatles’ songs that so many people have grown up with. For new fans, it gives a true meaning to “All You Need Is Love” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.”