Music doesn’t always accompany me during the day, but sometimes I turn on the radio and the music ideally moulds to fit the situation and the lyrics become the background to my conversation. I have special pieces of music which give me energy, inspiration and high spirits. This is the reason why sportsmen listen to music while training.
For the characters of my Valentine’s day film “Begin Again” (2013) by John Carney, music is the quiddity of life, but for each of them it has a different meaning. For Gretta (Keira Knightley), a poet, melodist and songstress, music is to begin with the common ground of her relationship with Dave (Adam Levine) and then it is a way of filling the void when they break up. For Dan (Mark Ruffalo), who is at a crossroads in his life, music is a passion, family therapy and the chance for a professional comeback.
Gretta and Dan meet in a New York pub. A song sung by Gretta and arranged with feeling and imagination by Dan changes a few people’s lives. This song is the beginning of professional cooperation which slowly turns into a friendship painted with musical notes . The friends find other musicians who can also play around with different sounds. During this film you hear rousing, positive pieces of music with amazing arrangements. This makes you follow the affairs of the film and you know that everything will be OK. Mind you, music and love do go together. Luckily for Dan and his daughter, music connects the generations, breaks the ice and rebuilds relationships. This film isn’t a typical romance, as it isn’t a simple comedy. This is a pleasant, charming, feel-good film about people who hear music everywhere, notwithstanding the kind of music they prefer. The end of the film isn’t obvious. Each of us can make up their own ending to the story. What will yours be?
Laughter and high spirits are guaranteed when watching the film, and you can’t help tapping your feet to the music. I like “Begin Again” most of all for its special kind of music, which I appreciate. Sweet ballads that sound like Nora Jones with an edge, amazing views of New York City, and Keira Knightley as a songstress make a very nice combination.
I recommend this film as it will lift your spirits.
PS. Tomek thank you for the musical Valentine's Day gift