A Tale of Music & Redemption...

Rating: 9/10 (26 October 2014)

John Carney's 'Begin Again' is a wonderful, heartwarming Tale of Music & Redemption. The film balances between music, love & also humor, admirably, while the performances, are fabulous.
'Begin Again' Synopsis: A chance encounter between a disgraced music-business executive and a young singer-songwriter new to Manhattan turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.
The characters in 'Begin Again' are in search for redemption & they all the achieve that, through music & the rhythm of life. Their journey, as people or as characters, is at times saddening, but extremely heartwarming, as well.
Carney's Screenplay blends human-emotions with music, ingeniously. Carney's Direction, on the other-hand, is simplistic. Cinematography & Editing are flawlessly done. A Special Mention for the melodious music throughout.
Performance-Wise: Mark Ruffalo & Keira Knightley, both of whom are yet awaiting a much deserved Oscar in their shelves, deliver sparkling performances. Ruffalo is natural to the core, displaying love, frustration & ambition with effortless ease, while Knightley is a delight. She expresses each & every emotion, so beautifully. Also, the on-screen chemistry between the two, is exciting. Catherine Keener is fantastic. Has Keener ever delivered a bad performance? Hailee Steinfeld is nicely restrained. James Corden is first-rate. Adam Levine is alright.
On the whole, 'Begin Again' is a GEM. Two Thumbs Up!