Enthralling

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2016)

"It's so surreal!" is the sentiment of my cross-dimensional trip to La La Land. Throughout the journey, my modes of transport constantly switch from land to air without a prior notice as the jazz was blaring and songs were impeccably cutting in. It was a ride like no other, shifting elegantly from reality to dreams and evoking the nostalgia of Singin' in the Rain. The transition is just so perfect that you'd adore how fantasy was woven into life to the point which you might have to scream your lungs out, "goddamn it! this is too beautiful for me to handle."
I would've literally screamed when the movie was about to start because some people around my seat were talking and commenting like they were some god-like movie experts whom everybody else was eager to seek opinions from. Shut up you insensitive self-centered conversationalists. Thankfully the scene jingled instantly and riveted me from all nuisances. I thought I knew what kind of movie I was expecting when the drivers stomped out of their vehicles, hopped on the roofs and performed an upbeat song in the middle of traffic. My feet were tapping on their own accord and I couldn't wait to see the main characters singing out their stories. But unlike other movies in which the characters express feelings in a fabulous way. The song halted and everyone just returned to their cars like nothing had occurred. The musical intention unfolded itself. The songs don't tell the story. They are the story.
I'm not going to bother you with the plot because I think everyone should approach this movie without a clue. Trust me. The story is so simple that you may not give it a second thought. But the way the mastermind behind Whiplash told it is enthralling. One of my most favorite scenes is when Mia came to her movie audition and was asked to improvise a story. The transition of lights and speech to music was so good that you'll resent me if I provide more detail (and I won't). "Here's to the ones who dream", sang Mia. I feel that it was more of a message for those who don't. "So bring on the rebels / The roles from pebbles / The painters, and poets, and plays". It was like a protest to confront a materialistic society to not give up on dreamers, their hope, and imaginative contributions. That was the whole point of La La Land. Follow your dreams and don't care what others think. The concept is old. But I'm glad people like Damien Chazelle still believe in it and encourage everybody else to bravely pursue the path of "the fools".
The ending is either wonderful or sad or wonderfully sad or sadly wonderful depending on your own perspective. It brings back to my mind the memories of the Casablanca, especially the play-it-Sam moment and that unforgettable ending in which Ilsa had to choose between getting in the plane with Victor Lazslo or staying with Rick Blaine. I just simply can't put my thoughts into words when the last shot of La La Land faded.