A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review – The Fantastical Romance You Need to See

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review – The Fantastical Romance You Need to See

Table of Contents

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie

You’ve probably heard all the chatter about “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” right? This is an action-packed, romantic fantasy that has generated significant buzz for its original context and unique blend of genres. It’s a drama with a whimsical, fantastical twist, marking a lighter gear shift for director Kogonada. The core concept centers on two strangers who meet by chance and are propelled onto a shared journey that forces them to revisit pivotal moments from their own pasts.

This movie stands out due to its super unique and high-concept storytelling, offering a complete change from the typical romance film. The film’s fantastical elements, including strange doors that open onto scenes from the characters’ history, make it a memorable and reflective experience. The theme of finding the possibility of love by confronting regret and loneliness in the past is the film’s central emotional drive.

The overall vibe is visually stunning with a deliberate, vivid color palette and striking cinematography by Benjamin Loeb. While the critical response has been mixed—some finding it too solemn—the film remains an ambitious, thought-provoking cinematic event aimed at an audience that appreciates magical realism.

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Director and Management

The visionary in charge of this film is director Kogonada, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his unique approach in previous works. His goal for “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” was to find an original context for comedy and romance, blending philosophical elements with fantastical travel.

The film was skillfully written by Emmy winner Seth Reiss (The Menu). The production team ensured top-notch quality, resulting in stunning visual aesthetics and deeply evocative set pieces.

The music, composed by the legendary Joe Hisaishi, provided a masterful soundtrack that is both minimalist and deeply emotional. This attention to detail elevates the movie, making it a technical feast that enhances the emotional narrative.

Cast and Characters

The film features a stellar cast, led by Academy Award nominees Colin Farrell as David and Margot Robbie as Sarah. David is portrayed as a wounded but soulful man, while Sarah is a free spirit who is pessimistic about relationships. Their chemistry is the very foundation of the film, even if some critics found their romance lacking conviction.

The supporting cast is packed with stars, including Oscar winner Kevin Kline as the mysterious Mechanic and Golden Globe winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the cheeky Female Cashier. These two quirky characters act as fateful figures launching the journey.

The actors were praised for their charisma, particularly Farrell for carrying “love and pain” in his eyes, successfully bringing depth to their “twinkly but wounded” characters.

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Included Songs

The music composer, Joe Hisaishi, created a masterful soundtrack that is celebrated for its original score. Hisaishi’s score is often described as more minimalist than his famous Ghibli collaborations, but equally transportive, setting a profound mood for the film’s philosophical exploration.

The music is a crucial part of the storytelling, featuring original score pieces and songs performed by artists like Laufey and Mitski. This blend ensures the intense emotional scenes are fully immersive and underscored with poignant melody.

A key highlight is a delightful performance sequence where Colin Farrell’s character sings, showcasing the actor’s surprising vocal talent in a moment that was praised by critics. The entire score valiantly supports the mood of this sweeping, unconventional romance.

Budget of the Movie

“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” was made on a substantial budget, reportedly around $45 million to $50 million. This major investment was crucial for achieving the film’s spectacular visual quality and securing its all-star cast.

The massive chunk of the budget was spent on the high-concept production and the stunning cinematography, which aimed to create a whimsical and visually rich world. The big budget proves that the producers were serious about making this a cinematic event.

Despite the large investment, the film struggled commercially, pulling in a modest domestic opening of $3.2 million and experiencing a sharp box office drop. The overall commercial performance was disappointing, highlighting the challenges faced by original, high-concept dramas in the current market.

Review (Detailed)

“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” is a fantastical, emotionally charged odyssey that strongly delivers on its unique premise. It follows Sarah and David as they literally confront “doors” that open onto scenes from their own pasts, including trauma and heartbreak. The direction by Kogonada is stylized and visually rich, employing beautiful cinematography and a vivid aesthetic.

The plot hinges on confrontation and self-reckoning, as the characters are forced to revisit key life choices and admit their “romantic failings”. It is a compelling exploration of whether they can transcend their past to find love in the present.

This is not a traditional rom-com; it is a more solemn and deliberate drama, though it uses whimsy to explore deep themes of loneliness and regret. If you appreciate thoughtful fantasy, the unique journey is rewarding despite some critics finding the pace “snail-paced”.

Current Rating

From the early critical response, “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” received mixed reviews, failing to generate overwhelmingly positive momentum. The film earned a “B–” on CinemaScore, indicating a modest but not overwhelmingly positive reception from theatergoers.

The Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus highlighted the film’s difficulty, stating it was “Too solemn…while also too saccharine,” suggesting a tonal inconsistency that hurt its reception.

Despite the challenges, the performances by Robbie and Farrell were widely praised for their charisma and emotional vulnerability. Many who connected with the film found it “inspiring” and “well-made,” affirming its success with a specific audience segment.

Who Should Watch the Movie?

So, should you watch it? Absolutely, if you are a fan of Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie, or director Kogonada. The film is a great showcase for their individual talents and their collective chemistry.

This movie is perfect for anyone who loves high-concept, philosophical fantasy that uses a romantic premise as a vehicle for profound self-reflection. If you enjoyed films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and appreciate a slower, beautiful pace, this is for you.

It’s a strong watch for those looking for a cinematic experience that explores adult themes of loneliness, regret, and the possibility of a second chance.

Story of the Movie (Short Summary)

The story begins as two strangers, David and Sarah, meet at a friend’s wedding. Their instant connection is resisted, but a surprising twist of fate launches them onto a shared road trip.

Their adventure involves discovering strange doors that lead them back into pivotal moments of their own pasts, forcing them to revisit scenes of heartbreak and trauma. They are forced to confront childhood trauma, romantic failures, and parental loss.

The high-stakes trip pushes them toward mutual self-understanding and emotional resolution, ultimately serving as a quest to determine if they are ready to let go of the past and embrace the possibility of love in the present.

Audience Response

The audience response to “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” has been highly polarized, reflecting the film’s unconventional narrative. While the concept generated high initial anticipation, the commercial box office results were modest, with a low $3.2 million domestic opening.

Despite the slow start, the film has resonated with a specific audience segment, with positive user reviews praising the “Awesome Story,” “Wow Music,” and “Super Direction”. This suggests the film successfully found its niche, even if it failed to become a mainstream hit.

The strong fan sentiment about the movie’s magic and emotional impact shows that the film successfully captured the wistful themes it set out to explore.

Comparison with Other Movies

If you’re wondering how “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” compares to other movies, its structural ambition is often likened to the work of Charlie Kaufman, specifically Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The use of doors as portals to the past directly evokes these whimsical fantasies.

The film distinguishes itself by maintaining a gentle, life-affirming fantasy tone. It has that familiar dynamic of two troubled leads falling in love, but the Joe Hisaishi score gives it a unique, transportive quality that sets it apart from typical romantic fare.

It is not a typical rom-com; it is a more stylized, unique take on the quest for personal growth, grounded in a world that we recognize but elevated into the fantastical.

Final Review

So, here’s the final word: “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” is a visually stunning and emotionally rich fantasy film that promises a unique romantic odyssey. It’s a movie that attempts to blend deep themes of grief, regret, and redemption with a high-concept journey.

The film is a true spectacle, powered by the magnetic chemistry of Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie and underscored by Joe Hisaishi’s delicate score. If you are a fan of Kogonada’s distinctive, thoughtful style and are looking for a story that encourages self-reflection, this is a cinematic experience worth seeking out.

It’s a powerful exploration of how we are shaped by our past and the hope that confronting those moments can open the heart to love in the present.

Official Trailer

You can check out the official trailer for “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” on the movie’s official Sony Pictures channels. It gives you a great sneak peek into the beautiful cinematography, the surreal moments of time travel, and the intense emotional conflicts that are waiting for you in the movie.

The trailer effectively highlights the film’s fantastical premise—where doors open onto moments from the characters’ own pasts—and the undeniable charisma of its two leads. It’s a perfect way to get a taste of the mind-expanding and whimsical experience before you see

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