What La La Land Did Right

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2017)

*Spoilers* Many people despise La La Land for copying iconic themes/scenes from famous musicals throughout the years, but putting those speculations aside, the film successfully displays human nature in a way most movies have not, which could be one reason why people felt outraged or disappointed. Many of these following comments came from friends and family who debated about the film. The fact that Ryan and Emma weren't the best, professional singers actually added to the realistic theme as it made the characters that much more easy to relate to. If they were the best singers, their struggle for their dreams would seem not as difficult. One of the greatest lines in the movie that really resonated in my mind was Sebastian exclaiming, "They worship everything and value nothing".This single line sums up the entire movie as the value of Jazz is what drives Sebastian and acting is valued so much by Mia. This can also be put into context over our culture. I would be so bold as to say that this is the generation we live in today, a culture that worships everything but has lost the true sense of value. The culture worships famous people, beauty, money, and has lost sight of personal, human value. There is strong truth in the words of Sebastian. The film does a great job in making other movie references, old trends in fashion and music, as well as incorporating places that are popular today that will make this movies nostalgic in the future. The film also did not have any sex scenes, contrary to most films of this generation. It depicted a relationship that came through friendship and showed a relationship of valuing lives instead of using another person (referencing the end when Sebastian encouraged Mia to follow her dreams of acting in Paris). The film inspires people to passionately follow their dreams which is not seen that much in recent films. La La land is a film that respects the dignity of humanity and is very easy to relate to any audience.