OK for kids 9+
Spectacular, but without a real story, it might bore kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away isn't a documentary about the inner workings of Cirque performers but rather a 90-minute performance (with a framing story) featuring 3-D segments from most of the company's popular Las Vegas shows. There's little dialogue, and many of the performances are high-concept, death-defying acrobatic stunts. Some of the pieces include a bit of violence (all simulated, obviously, but they do include weapons such as spears and arrows), and a couple are focused on romance and sensuality -- especially the performance from the Cirque's "adult" show, Zumanity (which centers on a woman in a very sheer leotard), and the climactic lovers' duet.
- Families can talk about the way Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away is part performance piece and part marketing tool. Does the movie make you want to see a live Cirque show? Why or why not?
- Do you think the framing device works? Did you expect more dialogue? Did it feel strange that it was missing?
- Did the segments featuring music by Elvis or the Beatles seem more accessible than the ones with less familiar music or story lines? How do the Cirque performances compare to what you've seen in more traditional circuses?
The good stuff
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Messages: The only theoretical "message" is that if you're meant to be with someone, no obstacle is too great to overcome.
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Role models: Mia is a positive role model because she's willing to follow the object of her infatuation into another world to find him. All of the performers could also be seen as role models for their talent and abilities.
What to watch for
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Violence: Mild simulated violence with spears and arrows in a couple of the film's set pieces.
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Sex: Some scenes/pieces are sensual and even titillating. One of the performances is from the "adult" Cirque show, Zumanity, and features a woman dressed in a very sheer leotard dancing in and out of a fishbowl of water in a possibly provocative manner. The final aerial duet is beautiful, flirtatious, and very romantic; it ends in a kiss.
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Language: There's barely any dialogue in the film, and none of it is strong language.
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Consumerism: While it offers an entertaining look at various Cirque shows, the film could also be perceived as a 91-minute commercial for Cirque du Soleil's various high-concept shows, primarily the ones in Las Vegas. Some segments feature music from popular artists like Elvis and the Beatles.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Ms by enidlj
I loved it....I always enjoy seeing them perform. They are so agile and focused. I took my little sister (age 14) as I am part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte and she had never seen them before but she was amazed and excited watching them perform. And, what a great way to afford the general public to see them in 3D, if they don't have the opportunity, or the money, to go to see them in person. Good job!
4
If you've never seen Cirque Du Soleil before by francster
If you've never seen Cirque Du Soleil before this is a good inexpensive way to find out how much you might like it. If you are a fan of Cirque Du Soleil you will love this movie.
1
Not what I expected! by lynnwhtd
I was very excited to see Cirque and was very disappointed. I expected it to be just like sitting in the audience at the real event since it was the 3D version. It was too dark! Not enough lighting to show the vibrant colors of the costumes. Too many dark quiet spots with no action. I actually fell asleep for about 2 minutes and my partner had to wake me up! I never fall asleep at movies. There were some very cool acts but if you want to see them I would wait for the dollar theatre or the DVD..
1
Major Disappointment to this Cirque Fan by durbanusa
I have loved Cirque du Soleil and own many of their earlier works. However, this is the worst ever. Instead of a real story, they tried to make pieces of existing works into a story and then convert it into 3D. I thought with James Cameron on board, it would still work but it doesn't. The over-emphasized 3D distracts rather than enhances. The stories don't connect well and the Beatles part was the worst. While the aerial ballet at the end was nice, the rest was boring. You would think they would want to use some of the better pieces from KA and such. Save your bucks and go see the real thing.
4
Excellent Entertainment But NOWHERE Near The Experience Live. by Alon Patterson
I've seen all the Cirque shows excerpted here by Cameron, as well as others, and all of them live and in person. In fact, I've seen some of them many times. While this film maker does them justice here, frankly, Cirque's own boxed set is FAR better and much more entertaining. Still, there's really no substitute for the experience that's more worthy than that offered by the big screen and its sophisticated, sound engineered, theaters to be found at most movie venues. That's the value here as far as I'm concerned. The attempt at tying all the shows together with some common plot thread was just a dismal failure as far as I'm concerned. Rene DuPere's greatest score, "Alegria" is VERY noticeably missing. Still, it's worth a ticket price, especially if you can avoid the 3D version, since all that does is wash out the vividness of the color, clarity and brightness of the image. 3D brings nothing of value justifying the added ticket cost. See it though. This one's far from disappointing
5
A definite must-see by arthro
I saw this today and I am still in awe of this amazing production.
I expected more of a documentary production but it is actually drama with a plot - which I think was a good choice.
The plot pulls all of the diverse performances together into a whole. It's not a complicated plot or even great drama - it's simple and straightforward, but it serves as a great vehicle.
The personal mastery of the performers is almost beyond comprehension. The beauty and artistry combined with transcendant athletic prowess defy description.
Truly remarkable stagecraft and production combined with incredible imagination complete an overwhelming experience.
I have to say this is a most stunning cinema experience.
3
Disappointing by RKTolbert
We are huge fans of Cirque du Soleil, having seen many of their shows and their IMAX movie "Journey of Life" (or whatever the title). Although that film was nice, this one was very disappointing. It's basically just bits of their various shows pasted together around a loose storyline which is never really resolved. We'd say that if you are not a huge Cirque fan, pass on it for sure and if you are a big fan, then proceed with caution. It's not horrible but it could have been a LOT better.
4
Cirque du Soleil is a window for the mind by Don Marco
Excellent movie for both fans of Cirque or for those wondering what it's all about. The color and imagery was fantastic. The music was superb and the story line fit their style perfectly.
1
Worst $50 Bucks I Ever Spent by dr_eyesight
The reason I am writing this is to warn other people what your getting into. This, by far, was the most boring movie I have ever suffered through. After the first 15 minutes I was ready to leave. I wasn't really sure what was going on most of the time, one second the protagonist is being put into a box and then the next there was a vertical fight scene that made no sense whatsoever. The protagonists longest line was "No thanks.", other than that there was little to no talking. I give credit to the performers however, they were amazing. The end when the two finally reunite was, I admit, a very beautifully choreographed work of art. I, however, could have done without all of the stuff in between.
5
Totally Amazing! by SteveWeatherstone
If you have any interest at all in Cirque Du Soleil, you must see this film! A combination of several different shows, it keeps you constantly entertained with visuals and activities that are just fabulous!