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Cirque Du Soleil: Traumwelten (2012) Online

Cirque Du Soleil: Traumwelten (2012) Online
Original Title :
Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away
Genre :
Movie / Fantasy
Year :
2012
Directror :
Andrew Adamson
Cast :
Erica Linz,Igor Zaripov,Lutz Halbhubner
Writer :
Andrew Adamson
Type :
Movie
Time :
1h 31min
Rating :
6.8/10

A young woman is entranced by an Aerialist. When they fall into the dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil and are separated, they travel through the different tent worlds trying to find each other.

Cirque Du Soleil: Traumwelten (2012) Online

A young woman in a small Mid-Western town goes to a traveling carnival one evening, where she is urged by a silent clown to visit the carnival's circus and see The Aerialist, the show's star attraction. She is entranced by The Aerialist, but during his act he misses a catch and falls to the ground. She rushes to help him, but then the ground beneath them gives way and they fall through into the dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil. Separated, they travel through the different tent worlds trying to find each other, interacting with the strange and wonderful performers and performances of Cirque du Soleil.
Cast overview, first billed only:
Erica Linz Erica Linz - Mia / Kà Cast Member
Igor Zaripov Igor Zaripov - The Aerialist
Lutz Halbhubner Lutz Halbhubner - Ringmaster
John Clarke John Clarke - Sad Clown
Dallas Barnett Dallas Barnett - Boss
Tanya Drewery Tanya Drewery - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Sarah Houbolt Sarah Houbolt - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Ascia Maybury Ascia Maybury - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Damien Gordon Damien Gordon - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Zach Brickland Zach Brickland - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Iren Goed Iren Goed - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Roufan Gan Roufan Gan - Circus Marvelous Cast Member (as Roufan 'Jimbob' Gan)
Pei Pei Lane Pei Pei Lane - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Shaowei Xin Shaowei Xin - Circus Marvelous Cast Member
Stephen Cooper Stephen Cooper - Circus Marvelous Cast Member

The film incorporates acts from the seven Cirque du Soleil shows running in Las Vegas in 2011: O, Mystère, Kà, Love, Zumanity, Viva Elvis and Criss Angel Believe.

Each of the acts/performances was filmed on the stage of the theater in Las Vegas where the show is/was running: the acts from "O" at the "O" Theatre at the Bellagio, those from "Ka" at the Ka Theater at the MGM Grand, those from "Love" at the Love Theater at the Mirage, the act from "Mystere" at the Mystere Theater at Treasure Island, the act from "Zumanity" at the Zumanity Theater at the New York New York and the act from "Viva Elvis" at the Aria Theater.

This is a long-cherished ambition of James Cameron who for years has wanted to capture some of the Cirque du Soleil magic in 3D.

Shooting also took place in New Zealand (per closing credits). A New Zealand-style railway crossing warning sign can be seen in the first shot.


User reviews

Butius

Butius

I - LOVED - IT!!!!!!!!! I want to see it again! And I will...going back two or three times next week.

Yes, I have seen mediocre reviews, but there are couple of requirements to enjoying this movie: 1. You have to LOVE Cirque Du Soleil. Not just "like"...you have to love them.

2. Don't spend even one second trying to analyse the plot. It's about a young woman who is mesmerized with a young male aerialist and she tries to find him again when they are separated. Everything else are sections of different Las Vegas Cirque shows and even in their entirety don't always make sense. If you try to understand why this is here or that is there, you will run out screaming.

3. It helps a lot to have seen at least a few of these shows in Las Vegas because the movie selects some of the best parts from each.

4. Did I mention you have to LOVE Cirque du Soleil? I think one or two people did walk out but those who stayed applauded and stayed all the way through the end credits (which were very lengthy because they listed each LV show, each hotel, and each person on the crew of the individual productions).

The film did present some of the best moments from each show, and getting close added to it, giving us devotees a new look at it. And with the battle scene on the rotating steel plate from "Ka", a look from different angles was a blessing.

My favorite Cirque show in Vegas is "The Beatles' Love" and other fans of that production will be very happy. There are about six scenes from it (with Beatles music in the film, too), including "Get Back," "Octopus's Garden," "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!", "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and the film ends with a group shot of curtain moments for the different show casts set to "All You Need Is Love." Cinematography is excellent. And the 3D is spectacular! Is it just a huge commercial for Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas shows? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes! Yes! YES!!!!
sergant

sergant

I was a little scared to see this after reading some of the negative reviews such as Shankru_Spam_Begone's. I did not want to see one of those movies where they give you the audience's reaction so you can be spoon fed to know if something is good or not. As another reviewer already mentioned Shankru_Spam_Begone, saw some other movie, not this one. There were no scenes of audience reaction. If you cannot watch ballet because the dialogue is weak, then maybe you will get bored in this movie. If you get bored watching the Olympics, then you might get bored watching this movie. I threw up in the theatre watching Blair Witch project (even though I was bored in it) because of the shaky camera work, and I was scared going into this one, reading here about the jerky camera. I also saw nothing like that. At a live show, you do look at many different things going on, but you cannot get the close ups like you do in this movie. Another reviewer complained that there were no scenes from Cavalia, which I thought odd, since no Cirque du Soleil shows involve animals, so why should they include another company's work that does not fit their theme? Weird comment.

I have seen Ka, Mystiere,and Zoomanity live and I liked this movie as much as that. My wife has seen a couple others as well and liked the movie more than I. I was shocked and dismayed that the movie theatre was almost empty on a Friday night but as my wife pointed out, young people would rather see CGI than real talent on the screen.
Cyregaehus

Cyregaehus

I have seen at least 8 of the Cirque shows - (the most fun are those in the circus tent) - and I look forward to the shows coming to my home each year. Watching the 3D movie was a treat. Since they were able to have cameras in so many different locations - above, below- the effects are really great. I liked the fact that you could hear the smacking of the acrobats shoes on the big wheels - really got the feel and the danger of that act.

I loved the beginning from "O" - the water adds to the acts. You are able to really see the actors - and appreciate the talent they have. I would go again - I will buy this DVD - and I will continue to go to the live performances. Even though I am not an Elvis or Beatles fan - I liked the music. Would like to have seen some of Michael Jackson in it - that was a fantastic live show.

Thank you for bringing this to the theaters - many people cannot afford the price of the live shows and this brings it to more people. I am glad that others will be able to see it. And I will again.
Wen

Wen

If you have never seen a Cirque Du Soleil then the movie Cirque Du Soleil: World Away will be a chance to check out what the fuss is all about. If you have seen a Cirque show before then you will experience a collection of the highlights from some of the shows. This tale begins when a young woman Mia (Erica Linz) walks into a circus only to be whisk away to a magical circus. There she checks out the star attraction aerialist (Igor Zaripov) and becomes enamored with his skills of flight. Through a series of passages they end out in another dimension only to discover the multiple tents of the Cirque Du Soleil crew. I have seen my fair share of Cirque Du Soleil shows and recognized some of the bits taken from seven of the shows that were running in Las Vegas in 2011: O, Mystére, Ká, Love, Zumanity, Viva Elvis, and Criss Angel Believe. This movie is like experience the highlights of this type of circus that pushes the boundaries of human capability that defies the laws of gravity and physics. With the 3D projection it is the next best thing to actually being at a Cirque Du Soleil show. Be wowed and check it out.

By Dr. Wilson Trivino
August

August

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away is fantastic. You see segments of most of the Cirque du Soleil shows, which are all terrific. The cinematography is excellent, the music is beautiful, and the acrobatics are incredible. There's a weak story line that does not interfere with the beauty of the movie at all. If fact, there is hardly any dialogue. You just sit back and enjoy the amazing sights on the screen. If you've seen any of the Cirque du Soleil shows, you'll enjoy recognizing them again on screen. The ending aerial act will take your breath away. Additionally, before the movie starts, there's a brief documentary about the making of the film, which makes the movie even more enjoyable.
Qiahmagha

Qiahmagha

Contrary to what Shankru_Spam_Begone has written (dude, you have not seen the film!), there are no "audeicen reaction shots" because everything was photographed when the respective theatres were empty.. There is little CG work — this is all straight, through-the- lens work, and it is freaking incredible. They have chosen the best from eight or nine of Cirque's shows, lovingly photographed them, and stitched them together in such a way that you don't care how thin the story is, you're just enthralled by the sheer magic of the visuals.

And there are so many to by enthralled by: Cirque has this amazing capability of taking the most disparate things, putting them together in a single scene, and making it work. The scenes from O underscore this best, although the ones from Ka come close. (BTW: again, contrary to what Shankru_Spam_Begone writes, there are no scenes from Dralion). It is a visually lovely film that, at times, makes you wonder at the kind of people who can put something this enchanting together.

See it. You will not regret it. Even the 3D work is awesome: perhaps the very best the genre has given us because Cameron wisely takes us *into* the scene instead of pushing it out at us.

Put this on your must-see list.
Ttexav

Ttexav

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and I suppose that's largely true.Worlds Away is an exception. Here, what happens at several of Cirque's Las Vegas shows comes to your theater. Not everyone gets to Vegas. Only Cirque fans see all the shows in Vegas if they get there. (No one can see the Elvis show since it's now closed.) The traveling shows are around, but that's a once a year or two opportunity to see just one show live.

Reading some the reviews, I'm forced to ask; what did you expect?

There's no plot! Well, CdS doesn't need a plot (and generally speaking doesn't have much more in the way of plot in Vegas shows than in this compilation. How can you curate several shows into one compilation and get a plot. I'm impressed that they have a seamless compilation. If you want a plot, stay home and watch Law and Order!

There's great music. Cirque's music is "new age" background to the performances (with the obvious exceptions of Beatles' Love, Viva Elvis, and Michael Jackson's Immortal). Like much background music, it gets lost behind the fabulous performances, the gorgeous costumes, the spectacular sets, etc. Here however, the music works to tie the parts together and it works.

There are great performances...and your seats are up-close and flying around the theaters and tents. I've attended virtually every show with excellent seats and being this close and being in on the action is a treat for me.

It's here. It's closer than either Vegas or a tent site. We travel to Montreal to see the new shows each May. Not every one will do that. Perhaps it'll make it's way to video. (Guy could learn from Michael Eisner that CdS could make a fortune selling DVD/Blu-Ray for the shows once every five to seven years--as the technology advances and as new fans emerge.)

Of course, it's an hour and a half commercial for CdS in general and several Vegas shows in particular. So? Isn't Skyfall a commercial for the next James Bond movie and the DVD library? I hope it is!

No clowns. Guy loves clowns...I think because they are cheap--no sets and lots of competition for the parts. I hate clowns. I'm not afraid of them, but they are creepy and a waste of time.

I won't see it twice this go round, but I recommend it. It'll make you feel sexy.And, Guy, I'll buy the 3D BluRay if you release it.

I've also decided to go back to Vegas soon to see the theater shows again. The commercial worked!
Rainshaper

Rainshaper

The art of circus performing is a tradition that continues to defy the test of time. One circus that continues to remain popular with the public is Cirque du Soleil, the show that combines acrobatics with artistic imagination. Cirque du Soleil has taken on a number of themes over the years from dragon celebrations to Michael Jackson tributes, yet many have missed the opportunity to see these shows come to life. This weekend people around the country/world have the opportunity to see a show for themselves as Cirque Du Soleil: World's Away 3D released. So sit back and relax as I dive into the artistic into James Cameron latest production.

Let's start this review off with the biggest strength of the movie, the visuals. Worlds Away is a breath taking experience of mind blowing sequences that show off the imagination of the performance theater. Audience members will be excited to see the performers pull off aerial ace performances as they flip and soar through the air amidst brilliant settings. What makes this movie even more entertaining is that the stunts are not just people showing off their training, but are actually being used to tell a story and describe the emotions of the act. Some performances are elegant displays of finesse, combining ballet and interpretive dancing to wow and amaze. Others are all about power and gravity challenging stunts that build suspense at whether or not the person will fall to the constantly moving environment. My favorite in particular involved a Japanese anime like act, where performers "fought" on a gyroscopic platform that involved them adapting to the environment, which kept it interesting. Amidst these entertaining performances are some performances that are more strange than entertaining. These skits involve oddly designed characters whose purpose was unknown to me. I'm sure there is some symbolic nature to these scenes, but unfortunately I was unable to decipher the meaning behind these interludes, or at least understand what each character represented. Regardless these scenes can still be entertaining, but don't expect them to be as flashy as those shown in the trailer.

Another factor that adds entertainment to this movie was the musical score. Those who have seen the show before, will be familiar with the beautiful harmonies the orchestra creates. Each scene has its own song accompanying it, designed to mirror the feelings the performers were trying to act out. Performances that were softer and more elegant, used a slower track where flutes, violins, and vocals dominated. Scenes that were more aggressive, darker, and more suspenseful took on the entire orchestra relying on the drums and strings to paint the challenging nightmare the world had to offer. If you don't care about the music matching the scenes, it doesn't matter because the orchestra work is still ear pleasing on so many levels. Fans of the series may recognize some of the tracks, but for newbies like me, you may just find yourself bobbing to the beat.

So we have the stunts and the accompanying music, but is there anything else that will impress the audience. I believe the visuals might also be another aspect that will grab your attention . The costumes are indeed artistic and interesting to see, but usually fit the scene well. Unfortunately my lack of artistic understanding denied me the full appreciation of their design, and might confuse other audience members as well. Despite the confusion though, the setting itself is beautiful. The artificial rivers and ponds, the misty trees of the forbidden jungle, and the industrial wasteland of a steam punk nightmare are polished in every detail. Some of the scenes also included some artificial creatures that were even more impressive to watch. My favorite was the giant snake that coiled itself around the forest as the two protagonists dance their way through the air. This beast moves as it was an animatronic reptile, but one can see the strings as the puppeteers work their magic to make it move. I feel though that many people will enjoy the world the designers have created for the audience.

So what should I warn you about this movie? One thing is that the story is rather basic and very straightforward. It's a romance story that involves travelling through multiple worlds, with each having a tale of their own that provides an obstacle for the main plot. Unfortunately the deeper elements of the story require a little more thought than I was able to understand, but those who can interpret symbolism will be just fine. Another thing I noticed is the constant amount of flashing lights in this movie. These lights add more life and excitement to the scenes, however those with seizure disorders are going to need to stray from this movie. Perhaps the other thing to warn you about is that this movie seems to be only available in 3-D so it could be a more expensive purchase depending on your theater. Was it worth the 3-D? Frankly I could have done without it, but it added a smidge of detail that can be appreciated.

Was Cirque De Soleil worth a trip to the theater? It really depends on if you have already seen a show. If you have, then not really as I discovered some of the details were cut from the movie. Plus at the show you get a little more involved than you do in the theater. However, if you've never been to a show, then totally go see this one, as the visuals and sound are made for the theater. What are my scores for this movie? Check them out below: Fantasy: 7.0 Movie Overall: 6.5
Eigonn

Eigonn

This movie is all about a girl named Mia who meets a guy called The Aerialist and they go on a huge adventure, but will never give up until they find each other. It is really nice how they care about each other throughout the movie. I think they should have more talking to each other or other people. I really like the movie because it is in 3D. It makes it look so real that I would want to reach out and touch it. There were also so many acrobats that were doing things that seemed like they are going to kick you in the face. It is really cool and I hope you like it too. The main characters in the movie are Mia and The Aerialist. They are both my favorite characters because they don't care what they come up against each time because they love each other and will not rest until they find each other. My favorite part of the movie is when they are doing one of the shows and they are falling off walls on to trampolines and got back on the wall. They must be really brave to do all of those stunts. The cast was amazing and I wish I could do that too. I would recommend this movie for ages 8 and up because younger kids would probably think it's boring. In fact, it is kind of boring at the beginning, but I keep an open mind and they do acrobat things that catch my attention. I hope you like the movie as much as I did. Anthony Aranda, age 10, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.
Boyn

Boyn

This film is ballet, racked up to the nth degree. It follows the search by a young woman for an aerialist with whom she has fallen in love at first sight. As such, the plot is basic in the extreme, but that's not the point. The point is to wonder at the feats and the showmanship that defies belief.

The film consists of a series of montages as gymnasts perform feats of such power, skill, courage and beautiful grace that I found it literally incredible. At times I found it hard to believe that what they were doing was physically possible. For example, two female trapeze artists swing high above the ground. One dives headlong, and they catch each other with their feet, the one held upside-down by the feet of the other. Amazing enough if they had carefully positioned themselves so, but do do it as one fell had me questioning how that was physically possible.

The set pieces were balletic, even when dancers contorted themselves into eye-watering positions. Each move appeared fluid and effortless, even though beyond the range of any normal person.

I also enjoy the mechanicals, equipment and props that all added to the effect without detracting. A yurt, for example, transforms into a flying machine, the wings acting as naturally as a bird's, but operated by two of the cast, in plain view but somehow invisible at the same time.

The action was very, very clever, but the vision had me wondering what sort of experimental drugs the designers were on. It is a truly surreal experience.

For once, I enjoyed the 3D. It was well done and actually enhanced the experience.

My one criticism is that, although only 91 minutes, it seemed longer. Some of the set pieces tended to drag on. The vertical fight scene, for instance, whilst a very clever idea and well executed, began to drag after a few minutes. I would have preferred some of the scenes to be shorter, with a wider variety of acts and scenes, but that said, it was well worth the money and time to see.
Nahelm

Nahelm

The world(s) of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil are complex and varied, as anyone who's seen any of the now-30 stage/tent shows across the world knows. It can be bewildering...mysterious...it can be threatening...and yes, it can be dangerous and violent. But - and this is a BIG "but" - it can be touching, beautiful, exciting and wonderful, a land of enchantment where anything can (and usually does) happen and where anything (including true love) is possible. In CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY, all of these things happen. Combining acts and characters from the seven Resident Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas (including VIVA ELVIS, which closed in 2012), this film takes the viewer along with the two main characters on a strange and magical journey where they are both helped and hindered by characters from the Cirque du Soleil worlds. One of the best things about this film is that, like the stage shows themselves, almost no dialog is spoken, with the performers telling the story or speaking to each other with every movement.

Sometimes the way the acts move the story along is a bit puzzling; I'm not sure why the battles from KA were used when they were or why the CRISS ANGEL: BELIEVE character was even used at all. While I wish the character of "Le Bebe" from MYSTERE had also been included, the character of "Sparky" from THE BEATLES - LOVE is the real show-stealer of the film. I also wish that more acts from MYSTERE had been used.

One could even say that CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY also adds ideas from ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND (where the heroine falls down a hole into Wonderland) and THE NUTCRACKER ballet (where the hero and heroine perform a a pas de deux that expresses their feelings for each other), but the Cirque du Soleil take is still original, beautiful and fun. I can't comment on the 3-D effect used in the film as my eyesight due to eye surgery doesn't allow me to see 3-D, but even in flat-screen format this film never fails to keep the viewer riveted with acts like "Bateau" from O or the Wheel of Death from KA, and the "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" sequence from LOVE will bring a lump into your throat.

All in all, take your own journey through Wonderland with Cirque du Soleil. Unlike ALICE IN WONDERLAND or THE NUTCRACKER, the worlds of Cirque du Soleil are worlds that anyone would love to wander through and get lost in...and unlike ALICE IN WONDERLAND or THE NUTCRACKER, the dream doesn't have to end.
Xava

Xava

Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away is a beautiful piece of eye-candy that encapsulates a story that I'll be damned if I can make clear to you. From what I can tell, the film is about an aerialist, who is smitten with the mysterious and enchanting world of "Cirque Du Soleil," and decides to perform with them and explore many different worlds. That's the extent of what I can provide.

Even if you can only extract that, this film is a ravishing piece of eclectic, artful fun, if a bit too wrapped up in its love for visual flair. This was a special released right in time for Christmas (which I would have seen on the big screen, had I not been stricken with a paralyzing flu-bug), and was guaranteed to provide its attendees a bountiful time with lovely visuals, incredible style, and sensory-stimulating excitement. It succeeds at that and for it, it should be commended. I've never had the pleasure to see a "Cirque Du Soleil" show in person, but I question if the story lines are as vague as the one given here. I'm all for stunning visuals, but there needs to be an extractable emotion, idea, or story that is found inside of them.

Take Ron Fricke's Samsara for example, a picture with some of the best visuals I have ever seen on film. There are no words in the entire ninety+ minutes in it, but so many morals, meanings, subtleties, and ideas can be pulled from its amazing long-shots that multiple viewings are an obligation. I have seen it twice now and have yet to grasp everything behind it. I've sort of assumed the idea that I simply will never be able to see everything in that film. I didn't expect Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away to perplex and amaze me in an experience germane to Samsara, but with all that being said, I would've liked some story of some encapsulating message. Should I just assume I'll never be able to see anything here? But I am starting to think, who goes to "Cirque Du Soleil" to get silly things such as morals or to get the benefit of a great story? It's all about the visuals, clearly, and for that alone, this film excels in them. Director Andrew Adamson, who previously worked with visuals on a macro-scope on The Chronicles of Narnia film series and the Shrek franchise, captures the unfolding talent and gravity-defying acrobatics with marvelous clarity and framing. I was stunned by the presence of wider shots, showing the "Cirque Du Soleil" sets in full-form rather than close-ups centering in on a piece of the action. Adamson employs a directorial style similar to that of Steven Soderbergh's in Magic Mike; he wants his audience to see a bigger picture, rather than a condensed, minimized one.

Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away is made for three kinds of people; the kind that have indulged in a "Cirque Du Soleil" show and relish the thought , those who crave to experience it at one point, and the latter category being the curious parties, like myself. It was a pleasant experience - one that zips along at about eighty-two minutes minus credits - and provides viewers with an incorruptible sense of wonder and zest. Seeing these brilliant aerialists , acrobats, and performers commit remarkably talented and precise body-movements made me almost reach for the Bengay. I can't imagine the debates among the artists on who is more sore the following day.

Starring: Erica Linz, Igor Zaripov, and John Clarke. Directed by: Andrew Adamson.
WUNDERKIND

WUNDERKIND

The movie had less to do with James Cameron and more to do with just recording from a number of the awesome show/shows performed by Cirque du Soleil.

If you have ever been mesmerised when watching a movie as to the attention to detail, whether costume design, the music, the choreography, the performances, you need to be aware that what you see in this movie is performed in real time, on a regular basis by the cast and crew of Cirque du Soleil. Having watched Ka in 2012 I was just blown away! James Cameron just captures the scenes so as good as what he is, all credit needs to go to Cirque du Soleil.

If you can watch any of the shows in Las Vegas or when touring then just do it! THEN you will understand why this movie gets a 10 rating from me.

The above forms the cornerstone of the review as there are no special effects- the shows are really THAT good. EVERYTHING is just top drawer. Although the storyline in the movie is predictable the journey through different shows is the closest you will get to watching a live show.
Memuro

Memuro

Being a Cirque movie, I kinda knew what to expect (loose plot, allegorical imagery, etc.) but the visuals were really breathtaking. Seeing the acts up close, with vivid costumes and colours, it would look great even if it wasn't in 3D! It would have been great if they could put La Nouba in, and some of the touring shows, but time and logistics constraints didn't permit. So it is a sort of promotional film for Cirque's Las Vegas productions.

Generally speaking, the music composed specially for the movie was only mildly memorable. I had fun, though, identifying the existing themes and tunes from the different shows (there was even a bit of Simcha in the old-school circus at the beginning ;)

However, the one thing that bugged me after seeing the whole film was that there was too much Beatles! Although Zumanity didn't appear much (for the sake of family-friendliness perhaps), and as a whole the acts selected were awesome, it seemed to be one Beatles song after another. Cirque has always emphasised the use of Cirquish (an invented language) for lyrics, which does not distract us from the act. And to add insult to injury, Mystere only made a single appearance in the film (a cube act, I believe). How can the longest-running Cirque show in Vegas only merit a passing mention? Thank goodness Viva Elvis only made a single appearance (a trampoline act).

Nevertheless, the saving grace of the movie was the inclusion of much material from O and Ka. Ka really brought home the point that it was possible to do dramatic fight scenes live on stage, and 'O' showed us what was possible with water.

I'd still recommend Worlds Away to my friends, as a gateway into what Cirque du Soleil is about.
Roram

Roram

First of all, try not to analyze too much why this or that is there - remember it's a circus. *Also, **small spoilers ahead**

But yes, this was a beautiful, awe inspiring experience. The basic story is a young woman meeting the Aerialist and when he falls into the sand pit below him, he and she sink into this other world, and then they're separated and have to go through all these different worlds to find each other again. By "worlds" I mean a bunch of other Cirque du Soleil performances put together with rather great transitions. Even the Beatles LOVE performance is in it!

Speaking of the Beatles, the music a lot of times is wonderful and very pleasing, especially the Beatles part (which I tried to sing along to) and the part with the Asian looking people with the red tights :) The 3D, courtesy of the legendary James Cameron, is stunning and reminded me a lot of Avatar. Same thing for the acrobatics, the performers did a great job!!

Very recommended, 9/10
Dozilkree

Dozilkree

more than you expect. a show who seduce and fascinate and gives a lot of emotions, surprises, states. nothing surprising from Cirque du Soleil but, in same measure, nothing expected. because it is expression of admirable art and hard effort. it gives a love story as frame for a chain of artistic moments. and this is one motif, maybe not the most significant, for define it as total show.
Malien

Malien

A girl named Mia goes to a rinky-dink traveling carnival/circus. While attending the circus she sees - and immediately becomes smitten by - the shows trapeze artist, a boy known only as the Aerialist. As he sees her its love at first sight for him as well. He misses his trapeze and falls to the ground. But instead of going splat, the ground gives way underneath him. Mia rushes over to help and she falls in with him. When she regains her senses back, she finds herself in the misty, dreamlike world of Cirque du Soleil whose landscape consists of numerous large circus tents bathed in glowing moonlight. The girl and the boy travel from tent to tent experiencing the weird characters and dazzling performances in each tent while desperately searching for one another in this bizarre world.

That's it! I have just explained the complete plot of Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away. Not that there is really anything being given away here... in fact there is very little - if any - to give away. But the plot is not important here. It is the performances of the Cirque du Soleil performers that is. To get to the point, Worlds Away is basically a Cirque du Soleil's Greatest Hits album (with parts of O, Ka, Mystere, The Beatles Love, among others, and actually filmed at the theatres where they are performed at in Las Vegas) with the very loose plot of the two lovers traveling through the tents trying to find each other used as a clothesline on to which to hang the various acts upon. However this setup does not take away from the jaw dropping spectacle that is Cirque du Soleil. From clowns reading newspapers that are on fire to a ballet dancer dancing to the Beatles song "As My Guitar Gently Weeps" as rose petals drift around her and much more, Worlds Away doesn't fail in the blow-your-mind department.

However the best was saved for last, the act between Mia and the Aerialist. Does the girl and the boy find each other? Of course they do! Don't worry, as I mentioned before I ain't spoiling anything. Because of Worlds Away's wisp of a storyline, there isn't anything to spoil. There are no twists or turns or main surprises. Most of the acts you see in Worlds Away you have seen done before in one way or another from other Cirque du Soleil shows, either from its live theater, its IMAX movie shorts, or its television specials. Hell, you'll figure it out that the girl and the boy will eventually reunite once they - and we - start exploring Cirque Du Soleil Land! Its like I said before, the movie is deliberately structured where the plot doesn't matter, the performances do. You are here to have your brain dazzled, not stimulated. THAT'S the filmmakers intent. Both Erica Linz (Mia) and Igor Ziripov (The Aerialist) are Cirque du Soleil pros who have been in numerous Cirque productions. To see them do their "straps" act forty feet in the air in the finale is breathtaking to say the least as both of them seem to almost defy gravity itself with this act! You can clearly see and respect the years of practice it took to do this and make it look effortless (in fact Ziripov has performed this act before with his real life wife in certain Cirque shows). It is not only a sensual and romantic experience, but it is downright astonishing to watch.

On the down side to Worlds Away, at times there is a clear, over-abundance of performances filling the screen which, coupled with the loose story of the girl and boy seeking each other, tends to give the film a somewhat slightly draggy and boring feel. And that may aggravate some people. When I took my girlfriend on my fourth (and final) time to the cinema to see it, the theater was completely empty except for us and an elderly couple sitting six rows down from us. She yawned between gulps of her Dr Pepper throughout it while wondering what her boyfriend - that's me - had gotten her into. When I showed it to my mother on Blu-ray, she wasn't impressed either, even though she enjoys Cirque du Soleil. So I will say it does indeed get a wee slow, but do stick with it. As I said the final act is WELL worth it.

In all this is another handsome show from Cirque Du Soleil. As for director Andrew Adamson and executive producer James Cameron (to which this movie had been a pet project of his for years) I definitely applaud both of them.

My rating from Excellent to Poor... Very Good. Well worth a look and great entertainment.
Syleazahad

Syleazahad

I really enjoyed this film, even though I wasn't sure I would because I don't "love" (although I like) CDS. But having selections from different shows, plus a plot (albeit a limited one), plus close-ups, made it a step up. You could really appreciate the costumes, expressions, and integrated aspects of the productions.

Many people don't have the opportunity to see a live CDS act; in my opinion this is a better introduction than films of just one production. BTW I didn't see it in 3-D - saw it on Netflix; I had never heard of it before, but it's absolutely worth watching. It's also suitable for kids of all ages, grandparents, etc. so the whole family can watch together.
Delaath

Delaath

I'm not a fan of circus acts, in the sense that I usually catch a short act or two but not an entire 90-minute production. But in this case, the production kept me engaged enough throughout the entire film, with few exceptions during the slower parts.

I loved the visuals - it made the acrobatic acts seem all the more exciting. And in the film version, you get to see them from different angles and in closeup, adding to the wonder of it all. The musical score was also terrific - my heartbeat seemed to follow the tempo and the beat of the drums, exciting me and bringing me down at different points of the film.

I didn't care much for the story though, about a woman who travels through different circus worlds in order to find the aerialist she was captivated with. And though I usually watch movies for the sake of the story, in this case, I was willing to forgo it in this case because of the acrobatic action. That will always be the selling point of this movie, and it doesn't fail to excite and awe you with its choreography and complexities.

If you've never seen the live version (I didn't), or even if you did, I believe this will still be a more-than-acceptable substitute.
Scream_I LOVE YOU

Scream_I LOVE YOU

This is only the second Cirque du Soleil show I've seen (I saw Saltimbanco live last year and also bought the DVD, which I was impressed with). Maybe I don't have enough experience with Cirque to be qualified to express an informed opinion, but this did seem cobbled together.

I in no way intend to minimize or trivialize the performers themselves: all are top-notch, and some of the performances are breathtaking. That huge gizmo with the circling barrels... darn, I have no idea what to call it or even what show it's from... it's impressive enough when the artists are running and jumping around inside the rotating cylinders, but then one of them hops right out and not only runs around the OUTSIDE of the thing, he runs on his HANDS as it flies through the air! Then he jump-ropes for a while! Man, if that rope caught on one of those moving parts, it would be Game Over. I don't know how he did it, but I do know that now the most amazing thing I've seen in a James Cameron film is NOT a special effect!

The 'story', such as it is, is a pseudo Alice In Wonderland setup where an earthly character gets lost in a weird world and tries to find her way out. I just wish she hadn't been lost quite so long with the Beatles... I'm not a fan. I would like to have heard and seen more from the Elvis show. I found the ending satisfying.

Worth a look for fans and the random curious, but I prefer Saltimbanco all in all.
Survivors

Survivors

About a half hour into Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D my wife leaned over to me and blurted out, "Are you as bored with this as I am?" Frankly, I wasn't. By that point, my boredom had turned into annoyance.

Another scene or two passed and our mutual annoyance metastasized even further -- into unconditional surrender. We had enough. But the cinematic Rubicon was passed.

In the final scenes towards the end of an overly-long 85-minute test of patience, I found myself ready to leave. Needless to say, we departed the theater in disappointment.

This movie should never have been made. It's a testament to the old edict that if you're going to do something, then do it right -- or don't attempt it at all.

How in the name of James Cameron do you mess up something as spectacular as Cirque du Soleil? Who would have thought trivializing death-defying stunts was possible? It's baffling to imagine a production blessed with many of the world's most gifted performers, with such an impressive array of set designs and costumes, and some of the most innovative music ever recorded could induce a mass slumber.

How bad was it? For those who have visited the Las Vegas airport, recall the jumbo screen inside the baggage claim area. Think of the 45-second video clips from one show after another. Imagine that highlight reel repeated over and over and over again and then compiled into an full-length motion picture. Indeed, the comparison of waiting for bags at an airport might be appropriate here, except there's actual suspense in waiting for one's luggage. There's no such drama in this montage of monotony.

I've seen five Cirque du Soleil live performances, to date. Two were extraordinary ("O" and "Cavalia"), one was excellent ("Mystere"), one was average ("Love") and one was awful ("Ka"). My appreciation for each show was largely a matter of taste. Each and every Cirque du Soleil product that I've sampled -- be it live shows or music CDs -- has been a first-rate production.

Then, we get this clunker.

No doubt, this was a film with enormous potential. Bringing the very best of the Cirque du Soleil global franchise to the big screen for the first time -- the audience's visual experience enhanced by 3D -- was a thrilling prospect. Add the opportunity to witness some rare behind the scenes footage and truly astonishing acrobatics from a variety of different angles, and this wasn't simply like getting the best seats in the house. It was like being a part of the show.

Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away 3D is a reel of disappointment from start to finish. Take the story, for instance. Oh wait, there isn't one. The possibilities of an Alice in Wonderland-Through the Looking-Glass themed narrative were obvious here. Too bad the film's creators opted instead to sew the performances together with the amateur skills you might expect from a YouTube video. There's also virtually no dialog -- which doesn't help much to retain our attention. Then again, what would the performer say? "Oh look! There's another skinny girl up in the sky spinning on a rope!" The film essentially takes the high points of what you'd see in the exact same shows on the Las Vegas Strip and transposes them on screen, with no attempt at contextualizing or connecting these performances to anything that might resemble a plot. A few scenes are interesting and even mesmerizing (when performed live -- forget this treatment), but blended together in cinema, it's like visiting the Bellagio buffet, tossing a little bit of everything into a giant mixing bowl, and then trying to digest the contents. We may savor green bean casserole, pad thai, creamy horseradish, and cherry cheesecake on their own. But mixed together into one giant serving wouldn't be very appetizing, would it? This is what happens when you mix the fire-fight scene from "Ka," with a magical interlude from "Believe," with one of the worst Beatles songs ever recorded, "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite." What you get is cinematic slop.

If you try to please everyone, you please no one. That's what the film makers attempted to do here, conjoining irreverent themes with no connection. Moreover, some of the dullest interludes from the Cirque du Soleil catalog somehow made the final cut, while much of the best show material was inexplicably left out (the very best performances are often the simplest, featuring the astonishing power of the human body somehow doing what seems to be impossible). The film makers seem to have forgotten the fundamental premise that sometimes less is more.

I had a hard time staying interested in performances that often looked the same, but weren't. One minute we were in medieval Japan ("Ka"). The next scene took us beneath the world's oceans ("O"). Then, we went back to the 1960's ("Love"). And, with that the film ended.

Which brings to mind one final outrage. How was "Cavalia" omitted from the final cut? Arguably the most impressive Cirque du Soleil show of all, this dazzling spectacle includes dozens of live trained horses in the performance. How or why the film makers managed to leave out some of the best scenes of the entire theatrical catalog is mind-boggling and utterly unforgivable. If you can't include just a few scenes from the astonishing parade of horses in "Cavalia," then why even bother? Hard to believe, but I'm not sure those who created Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Apart 3D could have made a worse film had they tried. Absolutely nothing in this film works. Worse, the standard admission price ($15) is significantly higher than the normal movie ticket ($11).

One of the most disappointing films of the year.
Lanin

Lanin

There may be SPOILERS below.

I am a huge fan of Cirque du Soleil and James Cameron. Huge fan.

This movie, which has been on my 'must see' list since I saw the trailer, was not up to the standards of either. I sat in the theater (the Malco Grandview in Madison, MS) trying to figure out what went wrong.

Instead of being enthralled and swept up in the stunning Cirque du Soleil visuals the way I was with Dralion and every single other Cirque du Soliel show I've ever seen; I sat shaking my head and trying to actually see the performances through the murky darkness searching desperately for the 'stunning visuals'. I actually tried taking the 3-D glasses off to see if maybe they were dirty. Truthfully, the darn trailer was more 'there' than the actual film.

I expected to have an immersive experience similar to the one I had when I saw Avatar (9 times). Didn't happen. Not even close. I expected to be brought to tears the way I was when I saw my first Cirque show (Nouvelle Experience). Didn't happen.

I knew something was amiss when the film opened with the lead dancer telling us what the storyline of the film was going to be. Really? You have to tell us what happens before it happens? The trailer already set that up..so what's with this little exposition? Well, fellow viewers, if she didn't tell you what was going on you might not have figured it out.

Worlds Away is a huge trailer for Cirque du Soliel shows with a 'story' thrown in to sew the different shows together. And, you know what, that would have been okay except the pieces that were showcased were mindnumbingly repetitive and so boring, so very boring that I started looking at my watch wondering when the mishmash would be over.

I am so disappointed. I parted with several hard-earned dollars, drove miles out of my way to get to the one theater showing the film, re-arranged my schedule and blew off Jack Reacher to see this. I expected better of James Cameron and Cirque du Soliel. Now I have to watch my DVDs of Dralion and Avatar to get the taste of this drivel out of my mind.
Jorius

Jorius

I love Eric Scribner because he is a very good drummer and actor for his whole life he grew up loving to play drums and I've seen him perform in Corteo in the Indiana Pacers' fieldhouse and he really knows how to stay caught up with the other instrument players
Iesha

Iesha

Worlds Away By Christoph Shows

The movie begins with a girl who innocently walks into a circus atmosphere, and sees that they're having a show soon. She buys a ticket because she likes the young man whom she apparently had been taken by surprise with simply by them both connecting gazes. A magical moment happens and is somewhat destroyed by his boss telling him to get to work. She then enters the circus tent and watches the show. She is surprised by her new friend as he shows up on the trapeze. She enthusiastically watches him fly through the air, then suddenly crash to the floor of the circus. Worried that he's hurt she watches in frightful anticipation as the world turns upside-down and he falls through the floor as if it were sands through an hour glass.

Not wanting to lose him, she runs to save him, and falls through herself, and enters a world of total amazement while searching for her lost love.

The storyline then becomes a bit blurry as different characters come into play creating a momentous "Alice in the Looking Glass" concept as the plot meets many acrobats, illusions, and tricks that are totally amazing. Continuing the story quite some time later, she sees him and again tries to help him, then he disappears, with some near misses as they pass right by each other. This creates suspense with the audience that makes them wonder if the couple will ever connect again. It shows the hunger, and the desire to have that which once was lost, but hopefully will be found once again.

There are breaks in the story line that have absolutely nothing to do with the plot, and this is where I've seen most of the people who watch this are confused. Don't be confused as it is the efforts of the Cirque Du Soleil writers, and choreographers, to dazzle their viewers as they enjoy simply wonderful feats of human challenge.

Teaming up with Paramount Pictures and James Cameron (Turok, The Titanic, many more) Cirque Du Soleil combines theater with an incomplete story line which is replaced by mystery, and the wish for one dream that a young girl can ever dream for. Accomplished well, Cirque Du Soleil took quite a profit for the show.

ChristophShowsEnt writes shows like this, but adds the middle line of mystique as well. Keeping with the plot, we build a story from beginning to end and stay with the story not losing the viewers in the middle or tagging along to see if they can catch up. Though Cirque Du Soleil has a plot, they seem to not have substance for the rest of the sequences though it is filled with fantastic and death defying acts done by real people. I applaud all involved with this production because I know that there was a lot of work, special effects, camera shots, and different things that made the film work. Now I encourage anyone reading this to go to ChristophShowsEnt, work with me and my shows to see how we can make it better.

ChristophShowsEnt is involved in writing and producing immersive storylines and shows for the stage. The kind of shows he writes are not typical shows. They are designed for total immersion and audience enhanced experience. This means that when the audience walks out and away from the performance, a sort of "culture shock" feeling creeps into their mind because they've been so absorbed in the worlds created for them to enjoy. From the time a ticket buyer purchases a ticket, the immersion process begins. It goes on and builds from the first minute until they exit your auditorium.

The shows written have action, love, drama, music, performance, dynamic sound, and visual effects that make settings that come through in a "Movie-like" storyline. They have unmistakable elements in them with everything from fantasy, historic, and normal life settings. Each story expands to create a wonderful, magical, and fulfilling experience for the audience who will not only watch, but see the activity of the performance around them, and feels the true vibration of the story as it happens.
Hellmaster

Hellmaster

Never heard of it before- but so glad I watched it!! Filled imagination, incredible sets and costumes, beautiful bodies, and great music!! Just watch and find yourself carried away !!!