In this blog post, we’ll examine the unique structure of ‘Cloud Atlas’, which weaves together six episodes across different genres into a single narrative, and explore the film’s meaning—focusing on the message it conveys based on the concept of reincarnation and the story of Son Mi.
The Unique Structure and Diverse Genres of ‘Cloud Atlas’
When ‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012) was released, it was not well-received. On the contrary, many viewers showered the film with scathing reviews. Although it was an ambitious project by the Wachowski siblings that would long be remembered in the history of science fiction, many people ended up turning their backs on it. This is truly regrettable. At the heart of the criticism lay issues with the narrative structure. With too many episodes crammed into the limited runtime of about 100 minutes, viewers ended up feeling exhausted. So why did the Wachowski siblings, who directed this film, make such a choice? Was it merely a whimsical project created by filmmakers who had already achieved fame and acclaim? However, I believe “that is absolutely not the case!” I would like to present some valid reasons and evidence for this, along with a few of my own perspectives.
Before presenting the evidence, I’d like to examine the genres of ‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012). This film blends several genres. Most notably, it includes science fiction, fantasy, romance, action, adventure, and even thriller. The reason a single film can encompass such a diverse range of genres lies in its unique structure. The film is composed of six episodes. While the individual episodes appear to take the form of independent narratives, they ultimately interact based on the concept of reincarnation, creating a unique structure in which all episodes are connected into a single story. Because this film is structured like a set of interlocking gears—more so than any other—missing even a single connection point will inevitably cause you to lose interest. This is a testament to how meticulously it is crafted.
It is difficult to categorize ‘Cloud Atlas’ as a single genre based on the genres that appear on the surface. However, when viewed through the lens of the film’s overall theme and message, it is reasonable to classify it as science fiction. I will discuss the specific reasons for this in the conclusion. From a genre perspective, the concept of reincarnation serves as the driving force behind the science fiction genre in this film.
So, before delving into a more detailed discussion, let’s briefly summarize the conventions of the science fiction genre: most science fiction films feature narratives centered on social reform. Even Fritz Lang’s ‘Metropolis’ (1927), widely recognized as an early science fiction film, deals with conflicts arising within a societal atmosphere drifting toward dictatorship and totalitarianism. Furthermore, many well-known science fiction films—such as ‘Star Wars’, ‘Avatar’, and ‘The Matrix’—feature narratives in which established powers are judged in the name of justice and society is transformed into a more just one. This is a common convention within the science fiction genre.
Since science fiction draws on motifs that do not actually exist in reality, it may feel very distant from reality. However, science fiction is a modern-day fable. It is also used as a tool to address society’s flawed contradictions and phenomena. That is why this genre can exist as one of the most realistic—and at the same time, one of the most compelling—genres of all.
Six Stories Linked by the Concept of Reincarnation
Returning to the main topic to discuss the meaning and genre of ‘Cloud Atlas’, we must first consider the message the film seeks to convey. As mentioned earlier, the film is based on the Buddhist concept of reincarnation. Consequently, the most fundamental premise of the film is that the characters appearing in its various episodes are the same person living different lives in different times and places.
Furthermore, the episode featuring “Son Mi”—who drives the film’s overarching theme—is where the film’s message is most directly conveyed. There is a scene where Son Mi, a clone, meets Hye-ju, learns the truth about her identity, and delivers a final message to the people in an effort to change society. The scene where Son-mi—a clone who knew nothing—meets Hye-ju, a member of the resistance, and delivers a speech to people, including other clones like herself, can be considered the film’s climax.
When Son-mi learns the truth about her identity and reality, she resolves to change the world for others, as if she had just awakened from a deep sleep.
Son Mi’s Awakening and the Message of Science Fiction Films
One typical characteristic of science fiction films is that the protagonist changes when they realize the absurdity of reality or come closer to the truth. The Wachowskis’ masterpiece, ‘The Matrix’, is no different. Ultimately, the theme emerges and the message is conveyed through the act of awakening from the unconscious and putting thoughts into action.
Son Mi’s lines toward the end of the film convey that we are all connected within the ceaseless cycle of life. I speculate that, unlike typical sci-fi films, the movie embedded ideas that are difficult to grasp, which may have made it hard to resonate with a mass audience. However, the attempt to incorporate Eastern philosophy into the sci-fi genre, along with the outstanding visual composition and setting, was truly remarkable. It was a work that transcended the sci-fi genre and was deeply imbued with the Wachowskis’ inherent identity and artistic style. At the same time, it was a challenging film that made one reflect on relationships and connections.
