THE 95TH ACADEMY AWARDS, BEST PICTURE NOMINEES: THE OSCARS 2023 REVIEW: Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

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Waymond Wang: So, even though you have broken my heart yet again, I wanted to say, in another life, I would have really liked just doing laundry and taxes with you.
Directors: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Writers: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, James Hong

Synopsis: A middle-aged Chinese immigrant is swept up into an insane adventure in which she alone can save existence by exploring other universes and connecting with the lives she could have led.

The question of “Who are you?” is a complex one that has been pondered by philosophers, scientists, and individuals alike for centuries. It encompasses one’s identity, personality, beliefs, and experiences, among other things. However, the question of what life could have been is equally intriguing. In the realm of multi-dimensions, we can explore the various paths we could have taken and the different lives we could have lived if we made different choices.

The concept of multi-dimensions is rooted in physics and the study of space and time. It suggests that there are other universes or realities that exist alongside our own, each with its own set of possibilities and outcomes. In these alternate dimensions, we could have taken a different path in life and ended up in a completely different place than where we are now.

For instance, imagine you decided to take a different career path after graduating from high school. Instead of going to University to study business, you decided to pursue your passion for acting and became a professional actor. This decision could have led you down a completely different life path than the one you are currently on. You might have traveled the world, entertained millions of people, and experienced a different kind of success than the one you currently have.

In another dimension, you could have chosen to stay in a relationship that you ended years ago. You might have gotten married, had children, and built a life together. Alternatively, you could have chosen a different partner and created a different family altogether. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is our imagination.

The idea of multi-dimensions invites us to consider the role of choice in shaping our lives. Every decision we make has the potential to set us on a different path and lead us to a different outcome. The consequences of our choices can be significant, and the alternate dimensions remind us that there are no right or wrong choices, only different ones.

The question of “Who are you?” and what life could have been are intriguing and interconnected. In the realm of multi-dimensions, we can explore the various paths we could have taken and the different lives we could have lived if we made different choices. It reminds us that life is a journey of discovery, and our choices are the compass that guides us along the way. This is the main plot of Everything Everywhere All At Once and it is brilliant, innovative and completely different from any other film from the past few years.

Everything Everywhere All at Once, directed and written by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert is reminiscent of other innovative works of cinema such as “Being John Malkovich,” “The Matrix,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and Pixar’s “Inside Out.” These films have earned a reputation for their originality and thought-provoking themes, and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is no exception.

The film centers around a woman named Ling, exceptionally played by Michelle Yeoh, who discovers that she is connected to a multiverse of alternate realities. As she navigates this new reality, she encounters different versions of herself, each with their own unique experiences and perspectives. The film explores themes of identity, memory, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Like “The Matrix,” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” challenges the conventions of storytelling and filmmaking. It defies categorization and blurs the lines between different genres. It is a film that invites the audience to think deeply about the nature of existence and the possibilities of the multiverse.

In addition, like Pixar’s “Inside Out,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” explores the inner workings of the human mind. It delves into the complexities of memory and emotion, and the impact they have on our perceptions of reality.

The film’s originality and innovative approach have garnered critical acclaim and are likely to make it a staple of media classes and film schools for years to come. It is a testament to the power of creativity and imagination in the arts, and a reminder that there is still room for innovation and originality in the world of cinema.

In addition to its groundbreaking approach to storytelling and filmmaking, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” features an exceptional cast that brings the film’s characters to life. Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ke Huy Quan, and James Hong all deliver outstanding performances that add depth and nuance to the film.

Stephanie Hsu plays Jodie, Ling’s daughter, who finds herself drawn into the world of the multiverse. Hsu brings a natural charisma and vulnerability to the role, making Jodie a relatable and sympathetic character.

Jamie Lee Curtis, an accomplished actress known for her iconic roles in films like “Halloween” and “True Lies,” brings her talent to “Everything Everywhere All at Once” in a key supporting role. Her performance as an IRS inspector who helps Ling understand the nature of the multiverse is wild and crazy, providing a strong villain for the film’s protagonist.

Ke Huy Quan, known for his roles in “The Goonies” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” brings a sense of humor and energy to his role as a wise-cracking guide who helps Ling navigate the multiverse.

Everything Everywhere All at Once is a remarkable film that pushes the boundaries of what we expect from cinema. It challenges our perceptions of reality and invites us to think deeply about the nature of existence. It is a film that will undoubtedly be studied and referenced for years to come, and a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the arts.

A+

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