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"We are not here to please others." A quote from Megalopolis that likely symbolized Francis Ford Coppola's motivation when he created this epic. With this project, he defied all expectations and realized an artistic dream that had occupied him for decades. He made many sacrifices to bring it to fruition. This included investing a large portion of his fortune, as no Hollywood production company was willing to finance it. But this attitude of the film industry, which has long been driven far less by artistically ambitious projects than by pure greed, did not deter Francis Ford Coppola. For this perseverance and courage, this willingness to risk damaging his reputation as a director, he deserves the highest respect and gratitude. The result is an epic full of symbolic power and profound depth. It deals with power, greed, manipulation, and the decadence of a society that resonates in both the Roman Empire and the present day. In this sense, the film can certainly be interpreted as a warning to humanity. With his late work, Francis Ford Coppola has created a great, courageous, and enduring film.

For the first fifteen minutes I thought I would absolutely hate it, but things did pick up after Julia went to Cesar's office and from then on I was totally on its wavelength. The convoluted narrative involving a plethora of different characters reminded me of my favorite aspects of Chaykin's American Flagg, you are thrown into this rich and complex universe and you have to make sense of its politics and inner workings on your own. I guess that's what didn't work for me about the opening fifteen minutes: it tried too hard to establish these characters in a rushed and unnaturally expository way instead of letting you figure things out. Either way I really dug the whole thing, the sincere approach with moments of hilarity, the anachronistic and insane digital visuals, the superimpositions, the environmental worldbuilding, the tryptich/vertical segments... I was absolutely impressed by certain scenes, the whole sequence with the statues might be my favorite cinematic moment of 2024. I'm compelled to write something extensive once I rewatch it or give it more thought, but for now what else can I say other than I'm so glad Coppola was able to realize his vision without compromises? I love how unapologetically grandiose it is, a thought exercise and philosophical exploration of an old humanist pleading us to allow people to dream. There is something special behind all its clunkiness, I don't care what the "consensus" says.

I give one point for the cast and because visually it’s impressive. But otherwise, what did I just watch? I can’t even summarize it.

A mostly atrocious film with very little to keep me watching it to the end. Way too long for what it was. Very poor storyline. Lots of imagery that was badly knitted together. I didn't buy into anyone's character. I wouldn't bother watching it again!

Just baffled at everything in here, there really are career worst performances by a lot of the actors involved here. The production design is really rough. Adam, I understand why you maybe agreed to do this but I am going to need you to start lock in from now on.

It's not as bad as people say. I think some unnecessary scenes need to be removed and it needs better CGI.