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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Across the Universe

Across the Universe is a 2007 jukebox musical romantic drama film directed by Julie Taymor.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Across the Universe is a 2007 jukebox musical romantic drama film directed by Julie Taymor. Set in the 1960s, it tells a fictional love story shaped by the music of the Beatles and incorporates 34 Beatles compositions. The film was released in the United Kingdom and United States.

Plot and setting

The film is set in the 1960s and follows young characters whose lives are shaped by love, protest, and broader political unrest. Its story moves through locations including Liverpool, New York, and other U.S. settings.

Production

Across the Universe was directed by Julie Taymor and written by Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, and Taymor. It is structured around Beatles songs and blends live action with stylized visual elements.

Cast and music

The principal cast features Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, and T. V. Carpio, with supporting appearances by Bono, Eddie Izzard, Joe Cocker, and Salma Hayek. The soundtrack is built from 34 Beatles compositions, which provide the film’s musical framework.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2007 and has been described by major entertainment outlets as a musical romance set during the Vietnam War era. It was distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment and received a PG-13 rating in the United States.

Key facts

  • The film is centered on Beatles songs and uses 34 compositions written by members of the band.
  • It was directed by Julie Taymor, who also received story credit.
  • The story follows a fictional romance set against 1960s social and political upheaval, including the Vietnam War era.
  • The cast includes Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson and T. V. Carpio.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada as part of the international release of a major English-language musical featuring Beatles music, which has broad appeal to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Across the Universe?
It is a 2007 jukebox musical romantic drama film directed by Julie Taymor and built around Beatles songs.
Who directed Across the Universe?
Julie Taymor directed the film.
What songs are used in the film?
The film uses 34 compositions originally written by members of the Beatles.
Who stars in Across the Universe?
The main cast includes Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, and T. V. Carpio.
What is the film about?
It follows a fictional 1960s romance set amid war-era protest, social change, and other political tensions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Across_the_Universe_(film)
    Supports: Year, genre, director, writers, Beatles-song count, cast, cameo appearances, story basis.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445922/
    Supports: Director, writers, release date, countries of origin, language.
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70045863
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, principal cast.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/across_the_universe
    Supports: Director, producers, screenwriters, distributor, runtime, rating, release date, box office.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Across-the-Universe-film
    Supports: Identification as a Vietnam War-era love story set to Beatles songs.