Begin Again (2013)

Although I really like going to the cinema there are some aspects I do not like. I decided to go watch it at one of the cinemas pretty close to home, but as I am not a fan of football I didn’t know that there was a game on near the cinema. It meant it was almost impossible to find a parking spot and grab a quick bite to eat because of the long lines. I managed to walk into the theater with food in my stomach, right at the moment the trailers had ended (and as that is usually a huge frustration I didn’t have to endure them). I was ready to enjoy the movie, until a woman in the right corner of my eye decided it was a good time to send some whatsapp messages. Don’t know if it was about the film, but that bright screen (she did set the brightness lower, because you know it would be rude not to) was a distraction. I didn’t immediately want to say something about it, but it took a bit longer before I felt I was fully engaged by the movie. Enough about my cinema experience of that day though. How was the movie itself?

Begin Again has been directed by John Carney, who was also responsible for Once, which is one of my personal favorites. The director isn’t the only thing common between the movies. Once was about two musicians who met and slowly developed a musical connection which grew into something more. The music was amazing and the story was captivating. This film is also set in the world of music, but instead it being set in Ireland it all takes place in New York. Dan (Mark Ruffalo) has been working in the music industry for years as music executive, but is going through a rough period. Gretta (Keira Knightley) is the wife of a well-known artist (played by Adam Levine) and who also makes music herself. When she is almost forced to get on stage in a small club to play a song the reaction of the audience is everything but excited. Dan sees something in her though. He talks to her and slowly gains her trust. They get to know each other better and Dan gets the idea to record an album with her in the streets of New York. That adventure allows them to learn about each others issues.

Although I don’t think this movie is as good as Once, the music wasn’t as strong and the story didn’t feel as intimate, this still is a quality movie. The story manages to steer clear from the predictable moments you’d expect and shows how the love of music can lead to beautiful results. Both Ruffalo and Knightly are good, but also the smaller roles by Catherine Keener and Hailee Steinfeld are worth checking out. When the end credits appeared I noticed that a big part of the audience thought it was unexpected. I didn’t have that issue and thought it fit perfectly. If you’re a fan of Once or movies in which music plays a big role than you should give this one a shot.