I grew up listening to The Beatles. I think all of us had a taste of their music; all of us whose parents were born around 1940s to 1950s.

Director Julie Taymor ("Frida") and composer Elliot Goldenthal captured more than 30 songs from The Beatles and transformed those into something that could be enjoyed by all generations. If you’re not (a) a fan of The Beatles, (b) have only heard some of their songs, (c) not familiar at all, you’ll still love the sweet vocals and well-mixed harmonies of each songs. The songs delivered most of the dialogue between the characters and conveyed their emotions. It substitutes for the lack of proper narration. Most of the songs from the selection weren’t familiar, (To be honest, the popular ones were missing) but it tied up to the over-all mood of the movie.

There were just so many allusions like the characters being named after the band’s songs, the rooftop concert, the sliced apple in reference to their own record company, the psychedelic painted bus, and the Jude-Lucy underwater pose that was conceptualized by the brilliant Annie Leibovitz for Lennon and Ono. I would indicate more, but that, my friend, would be called spoiling.

The cast can sing and dance impressively although the acting part was just okay. Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther McCoy needs to be mentioned for their charismatic presence on-screen. Look out for Bono and Salma Hayek. I hate me for spoiling

Yes, it is about a strong stand against war that happened during their time that mirrors to what is happening during our time but mainly, it’s all about love. And that’s all you need.

I usually love movies that many people hate, but what can I do? I adore this film. The ambitious goal of Taymor was flawed, but it was passionately done. I must say that the movie is bold, beautiful, imaginative, daring, luscious, and artsy all at the same time. Not so much of what a musical is, but a change of pace won’t hurt every now and then.

Atonement na next week!