Begin Again (2013) – Film Review

Director: John Carney
Writers: John Carney
Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld, James Corden
Runtime: 104 min
Rating: R

Nearly a decade ago a simple little musical called Once took the film world by storm. The film was so successful that it later got its own stage production, after having won an Oscar and established a solid and loyal fan base. The film’s director is back with a similar formula with Begin Again, a story that once more explores love through music.

Dan’s golden years as a music producer and indie label founder are long gone. With an estranged wife and daughter, as well as a dying ability to bring successful artist to the label, he is finding it hard to keep it together. After losing his job and going for a night of drinking he comes across Greta, a British singer-songwriter that has just gone through heartache. Convinced that Greta has that “it factor” labels look for, he tries to convince her to play a demo for the label. After much disappoint them, both of them decide that they want to make music under their own terms, and they will set out to explore their creativity while help each other regain strength, and find new hope in love.

Adam Levine was one of the film’s big surprises, and I was thoroughly impressed when he had me squinting my eyes in order to figure out who that ordinary looking man next to Keira Kneightly was. It’s quite refreshing to see that he was able to carry his role with finesse, and it was obvious that he made an effort to truly transform into his character, rather than just use his already adored celebrity persona and hope that it fits inside the world of the film. Knightley was sweet and fragile as the film’s hero, and it’s always a good time whenever she decides to step down and play an ordinary girl instead of her usual immersive and elaborate roles. She and Mark Ruffalo share a special chemistry, and the way their relationship evolves during the feature left me feeling satisfied and content. The whole cast succeed in creating a plethora of characters that help bring that sweet and mellow atmosphere that perfectly compliment the feeling of the soundtrack.

Aside from the successful chemistry between the cast, Begin Again’s greatest triumph is it’s soundtrack. Adam Levine’s tracks remind me of a time when Maroon 5 was authentic and refreshing, and Keira Knightley’s sweet voice is the summer’s revelation. With beautiful melodies and harmonies the whole soundtrack provides quality tracks that will transcend the film. It wouldn’t surprise me if one of the tracks becomes a contender in next year’s academy awards. The music in the film uses the same successful formula of Once, which uses a much needed “home made” sound in today’s excessive and over-produced music scene. I personally found Coming Up Roses to be the loveliest of the bunch, but the film is certain to give any sort of music fan something to enjoy.

The film’s story is definitely just an excuse to bring about the soundtrack and make it relevant in the movie world, so I had no great expectations of content in that part. Both character and character’s stories give the film a melancholic and later inspiring feeling that give it the necessary characteristic to make the feature a successful dramatic drama. Despite the fact that the story is nothing revolutionary, it is enjoyable, and it gives the characters enough depth that in turn gives the music a context and a soul. Begin Again strikes me as more of an autumn release than a summer one, solely because it reminded me of mellow evenings wrapped up in a blanket and enjoying a thoroughly enjoyable movie.