![]() Surely enough the films share some similarities but they’re also poles apart. When the movie started I was under the impression that it was more or less a remake of ‘Once’ and my expectations sank. It’s also at this moment I should appreciate the lively and bright cinematography that added to this musical magic. These little moments made the film shine and all the more beautiful. Apart from this, there were also little intimate music moments like Dan and Gretta traipsing through New York night with a headphone splitter sharing their favorite songs or Gretta’s boyfriend Dave recording her singing ‘Lost Stars‘ (a really favorite song of mine now). Without giving the music the entire focus the film also does a good job of weaving in the story inside these montages (like Dan’s daughter Violet getting her moment to shine). Those portions were done really beautifully. A main part of the plot revolves around Gretta and Dan going around New York City with their band to record live music. Obviously, a musical film needs to have good musical numbers and moments and this film doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. Even though they all don’t get the same importance, they do get to shine in their time. The film also has a bevy of supporting characters with the likes of Adam Levine (yes that one), Catherine Keener, Hailee Steinfeld, and James Corden. ![]() But I’m glad that Ruffalo found the middle ground in his portrayal of Dan which made him memorable and not just one note. Dan is not the easiest guy to work with and the circumstances of his personal life are not that great either. Also major props to Mark Ruffalo who played Dan. She did a great job of making us love Gretta with her resolve to make her own kind of music who is also navigating through the remnants of her broken relationship. We all know Knightley can act but she sings just as well and it’s oh so sweet to hear. So it was no surprise that Keira Knightley’s Gretta was my most favorite character of the whole bunch. ![]() But Keira Knightley always has that special ability to light up whatever scene she is in with that smile of hers. There aren’t any actors I particularly dislike and hence I generally enjoy everybody’s work. That kind of cheer and happiness is infectious. ![]() I meant it in the manner that the film’s got its own rhythm and you can’t help but flow along with it. The whole movie felt like one big musical number and I don’t mean that in an all-style no substance way. Released in 2014, ‘Begin Again’ tells the story of recently heartbroken singer-songwriter Gretta and recently unemployed record label executive Dan who meet by chance and decide to make an album together. So when I learned that he directed another similar musical film with big Hollywood stars I definitely had to check it out. Cast: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld, James Corden, Catherine KeenerĮven though I enjoyed John Carney’s musical drama ‘Once’, it left me wanting more than it offered. ![]()
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