Excellent film on many levels

Rating: 8/10 (15 November 2014)

I haven't reviewed a film on IMDb in many years, but Begin Again has so much to recommend it I had to weigh in. This movie is the definition of a pleasant surprise, with excellent acting, surprisingly good music, and a plot that doesn't give in to the typical Hollywood ending. I watched this with three couples, all 40+, and everyone loved it. It also ignited a robust and lengthy conversation about the deeper meaning of the plot... which is an almost certain sign that the film hit an emotional note with its audience.
Spoiler alert! The climactic scenes leave us with a somewhat ambiguous ending, especially as it relates to the relationship between Gretta and Dave. Dave's interpretation of Gretta's song seems to make it clear to both that their differing musical visions leave them ultimately incompatible... and it appears they both recognize this. But looking at this film from a different angle shows that it also serves as a powerful metaphor for the different directions that are tearing at the music industry today, with Dave representing the high powered star making machine that emphasizes profit over artistry, and Gretta representing the indie style artist that believes that music should remain the driving motive, with the internet disintermediating the cost-laden, hit-focused legacy music industry. In the final scene at Dave's concert, they both realize that they personally, as well as the direction of the industry they each represent are both violently incompatible.
No one vision of the industry is clearly right or wrong, nor is there a singular interpretation of what happened between Dave and Gretta. But it's that ambiguity that makes this such a compelling story in the first place. Make up your own mind, or just watch this for what it is... a well acted, interesting story backed by some really good music. Enjoy.