a poetic depiction of adolescence

Rating: 9/10 (8 September 2016)

I entered the theatre for Sing Street with little clues what it is about, and stumbled into a beautiful film work.
The film delves into the human connections of Cosmo. Before addressing the most nuanced relationship with Raphina, some analytic inks should be spilled on other minor relationships. Starting with his family, Cosmo is raised in a home full of dynamics. The torn marriage of his parents accentuates itself as the film progresses. The children seem fine with it, and regard with a matter-of-fact altitude. The notion of "happy sad" is most clearly evident in this relationship. Long gone is the happiness of the couple. Even Cosmo's brother, Brendan, pointed out that the marriage is due to the giving birth of him as a result of thirst for sex. Yet, it is preposterous to take this as an indication of the modest amount of love that the mother and father has for each other. The image of his father sleeping on the floor so that the bed is fully his mother's conjures up a sense of affection. If this act of sacrifice is not suggestive of romance, what else is better to be? Broken is the marriage it may seem, this does not suffice to be an indicator of the lack of love. Love, hate are not a binary concept, nor are they two ends of a continuum; they exist largely independently.
Cosmo's relationship with his brother is no less bewitching. A college drop-out, Brendon seems to stay in for most of the time, so as to avoid encountering with life. This point may not be so conspicuous at first, but it reveals itself in later parts. Enthusiasm fills him every time he shows Cosmo what good music is. The fruits that Cosmo acquires reminisces Brandan of his teenage years, when he was as talented and successfully. The thin but apparent line between his pathetic current state of being and his brother's propitious prospect as a reflection of his own past fuels his indignation. Although it is depicted that the source of frustration is vented on Cosmo, little does it mean to incur guilt in Cosmo, but rather in himself for neglecting the once flourishing years of his life.
Other minor characters develop intriguing relationships with Cosmo. Eamon forms a close friendship with Cosmo: they work together to make music. Eamon also necessarily enables Cosmo to translate his music ideas into tangible notes and compositions. His willingness to help, even when Cosmo out of nowhere crash by at night, highlights the beauty of such a friendship. The bully Barry at first appears an intimidation, then docile towards Cosmo's confidence, and eventually deferential as he works for his band. Brother Baxter is an embodiment of suppression, or more precisely, the conventional and conservative school of thoughts that resist change. He is essential as an avenue to accentuate Cosmo's expression of self-identity.
The key character, besides the protagonist, is of course Raphina. She governs most of Cosmo's thoughts and therefore his actions. Cosmo's decision to form a band is a response to his encounter with Raphina. His songs revolve much around Raphina. His wish to impress her is the main determinant of his writing process.
There are several vivid images in this film that I adore. One of those is the scene of his mother immersed herself in the few last sunlight on the threshold of the house, cherishing a glass of alcohol reading newspaper. The poetic imagery brings home the notion of appreciating the trivial elements of life that may seem insignificant but in fact instrumental in the fulfilment of life.
I find myself catapulted into thoughts for the very last scene. Cosmo and Raphina venture out to the vast water to reach Britain. Inordinate amounts of uncertainty is in direct contrast with their jubilance to arrive in Britain. They are met by heavy waves and a drizzle, which are open to various interpretations. At first, the thought of them failing and returning back to Dublin crossed my mind. However, I tried my best to put my imagination at work, and then made a correlation with a line said by Cosmo earlier, about after a rain the continent where Britain is situated will appear crystal clear to people on the pier. This provides enough evidence to make a plausible interpretation that eventually their aspirations will be realised, despite the adversity that they may face.
Overall, I'm rather impressed by the film. The time I spent for it was truly worthwhile, for this piece of art is what makes film so a powerful medium.