A MUST WATCH for any music fan

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2014)

This is an incredible film and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, including the credits. I was immensely pleased by this movie and no amount of trailers could have prepared me for the full experience.
I should warn that anyone who doesn't enjoy either slow movies or folk music will probable not like this film as much as the next person. The Coen style of dark humor is prominent throughout the film, albeit very drawn out. I think it's appropriate for the support of the protagonist's struggle.
The color process, and scenes filmed are generally dim and void of any bright colors like orange, yellow, or red. They have a soft focal effect and much of the movie has a cold feeling. (besides being filmed in winter) Many of the shots are serene and beautiful in a very simple kind of way, which I appreciate because the it lets the film focus on the musical experience and marries the two into something incredibly original.
The last time I had my emotions thrown as much was when I watched "Her". That movie deeply upset me and I neither laughed not cried... that's another review. This film made me laugh and cry throughout. By the end, I was... I couldn't describe the type of laugh I had between the tear of joy streaming down my face.
Do you love music? Are you a musician? Are you an artist... any kind? Do you have a primal struggle? Do you feel your life is crap? Do you like cats? Hell, are you a sucker for having a laugh/cry alone in front of your big screen for a quality movie because you already have a bias for all Coen films to be gold... you don't even need this review!
I would highly recommend this film if you answered yes to any of those questions. Lots of great surprises and typical Coen humor. Obviously a must watch for a Coen fan but a great film to ease someone in who's never seen..? Please watch this movie. I guarantee you will like it.