Synopsis

A scientist desperately searches for a cure after his wife is diagnosed with cancer. Their relationship is echoed across three eras: a Spanish conquistador seeking the Tree of Life, a modern researcher confronting mortality, and a space traveler journeying toward a distant star. The intertwined stories explore love, grief, sacrifice, and the struggle to accept death.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film began as a much larger production planned around Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, with a proposed budget of approximately $70 million. After Pitt left the project, the production was shut down and later rebuilt with a reduced budget of about $35 million.

• Before production resumed, the screenplay was substantially streamlined. The new version removed expensive action sequences and placed greater emphasis on the emotional and philosophical core of the story.

• The space visuals were created largely through macro photography of chemical reactions in small dishes rather than relying entirely on computer-generated imagery. This approach helped produce the film's organic, swirling nebula effects.

• The Mayan material was informed by research into Mayan history, religion, and spirituality. Some of the Mayan performers were brought from Guatemala, and a blessing ceremony was held before filming at the pyramid set.

• The film was released in 2006 after premiering at the Venice Film Festival. Although its initial critical and commercial response was divided, it later developed a strong cult following.