La La Land (2016)

Director: Damien Chazelle

Story: Damien Chazelle

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone

Music: Justin Hurwitz

Time: 127 minutes

Bottom-line: Colourful and emotional; a feel-good movie

Winner of seven Golden Globes this year, including Best Picture, Director, Actor and Actress, Damien Chazelle’s La La Land is certainly going all in this award season. This rom-com drama starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone leaves you (as an reviewer said) “with a tear in your eye and a song in your heart”.

A barista/aspiring actress, Mia (Stone) and a jazz pianist, Sebastian (Gosling) cross paths in an LA highway. Mia is rejected in every audition she goes to, and Sebastian is fired for playing jazz when his boss explicitly told him not to. Both of them, despite initial hostility towards the other, slowly start to become close, with Sebastian taking Mia to jazz clubs and cultivating an interest in her. Mia wants to become a full time professional, while Sebastian tells her his desire to start his own jazz club, in a time when jazz is dying. In a land of dreams, will the two of them realise theirs?

Finally, someone had the idea to make a musical! In an era where action and thrillers seem to be the most sought after, Chazelle’s La La Land is a refreshing break. From the opening song, “Another Day in the Sun”, every scene is filled with dazzling visuals, foot-tapping songs, stylish dance moves, and of course, wonderful acting. The title refers to the “land of dreams”, and the story focusses on how Mia and Sebastian encourage each other to follow their own. They fail, they fight, they get hurt, and the script is so well-written that the viewers vicariously feel everything all the way. The last scene of the film reminds me a bit of City Lights: man and woman sharing one last smile, leaving everyone watching it, in tears.

Gosling as Sebastian, and Stone as Mia

I like the visual effects and the cinematography, especially during the song sequences “Planetarium”, “A Lovely Night” and “Epilogue” (that beautifully captures a “what could have been” story). The chemistry between the two lead actors is what makes the magic work. Ryan Gosling – playing the suave, chivalrous and talented jazz pianist – and Emma Stone – playing the funny, emotional and equally talented actress – each of them give it their all and really make the film spring to life with their committed performances.

In a tale of romance, sacrifice, music, dance and of course, dreams, the best part turns out to be the simple story made so entertaining because it is a musical. I would have preferred a better ending, but, then again, this is a reminder that not all our dreams might come true.

My Rating: 4/5

Rotten Tomatoes rating: 93%