Is Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2000)

📖 The Core Premise

Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man stands as a 2000 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama, Family, Music, Fantasy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A child is born. We see underwater swimmers representing this. He is young, in a jungle setting, with two fanciful "instincts" guiding him as swooping bird-like acrobats initially menace, then delight. As an adolescent, he enters a desert, where a man spins a large cube of metal tubing. He leaves his instinct-guides behind, and enters a garden where two statues dance in a pond. As he watches their sensual acrobatics of love, he becomes a man. He is offered wealth (represented by a golden hat) by a devil figure. In a richly decorated room, a scruffy troupe of a dozen acrobats and a little girl reawaken the old man's youthful nature and love."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Ian McKellen shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Family, Music, Fantasy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Cirque du Soleil: Journey of Man is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 39 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.