Rock n' Roll is a Risk !!!

Rating: 8/10 (21 August 2016)

'Sing Street' is set in 1980s Ireland. Right at the beginning of the film we are given footage of a news reel showing numerous Irish people leaving their deadbeat lives in Ireland to look for a new life in England. This little bit of footage actually establishes the overall binding theme of the film. This desire to leave the dying, hopeless economy of Ireland to go somewhere with more scope has a direct connection with the life of our protagonist Connor. His parents' marriage is on the rocks and on the verge of collapse. He and his siblings are living a depressed existence with no sense of freedom. Connor gets transferred to a Catholic school. Although initially he gets bullied in his new school, but later on he finds some new friends who share his love for music and they help Connor in forming the band 'Sing Street' in order to impress the girl Raphina that Connor becomes deeply infatuated with.
The only other John Carney film I had seen before is 'Once' which I think is a masterpiece. 'Sing Street' is very different in style to 'Once'. While 'Once' has a raw, stripped down style of storytelling, 'Sing Street' has a much more upbeat, energetic style which kind of reminded me of the 2014 film 'Pride'. The upbeat style of the film's screenplay and style of direction embody the spirit of Connor and his teenage friends who also want to make their presence felt. Just like the people flocking to England to have a promising future, Connor also isn't contented with his present life and wants to do something with his life and pursue his love which is music. He doesn't know what awaits him on the other side if he pursues what he wishes to, but his romantic teenage heart is willing to take that risk and break free.
The relationship between Connor and his brother Brandon was beautiful and in a way the heart of the whole film. Through the backstories and other hints that are given, it is implied that Connor is the spiritual successor of Brandon. Once upon a time, Brandon had also found himself in the same position that Connor finds himself in. He also wanted to escape the metaphoric prison and live his life the way he wants to, but unfortunately couldn't. In the film Connor is standing at that same crossroad where he wants to escape the suffocating oppression of his teachers, the depressing state of his family life and go away along with his special girl Raphina to live their dreams. Brandon is a a very likable character, one can easily understand him, his opinions and his decisions. The way he helps Connor is nothing short of heartwarming. It is because of the existence of this loving brotherly relationship between Connor and Brandon that I think 'Sing Street' can be used brilliantly in a double feature with Ken Loach's 'Kes'. 'Kes' is another film where the protagonist Billy tries to escape the grim and depressing reality of his life through his pet bird. But instead of being loving, his older brother is adversarial which beautifully contrasts the relationship between Connor and Brandon in 'Sing Street'.
The romance between Connor and Raphina felt cute and believable. The chemistry between the boys of the bands also felt great. Apart from his real brother Brandon, Connor's relationship with the members of his band especially Eamon felt very tender and sweet.
John Carney uses flashy directing techniques here to complement the rebellious teenage spirit of the characters. We see rapid use of zoom, 360 degree shot that transitions into another scene, a whole fantasy-like sequence that almost felt like it was from another movie,etc. This completely contrasts the toned down approach in 'Once', but considering the subject of the film, the upbeat tone is perfect.
The acting is great from everyone involved. The actors give three dimensional performances. They are funny, likable and relateable. Special mention has to be given to Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Jack Reynor and Lucy Boynton.
If I can find a flaw in the film, I'll say that the music in the film, although being great to listen to, sounds a bit unrealistically professional which took me out of the film at times. I know that this is a feelgood film which at times flirts with elements of fantasy, but I think the quality of the music could have been intentionally lowered a bit and for me, it would have made the film even more personal and intimate and lovable.
Overall, the film is really enjoyable. It is funny, emotional, thought-provoking and has a big heart. It pays a tribute to all brothers all over the world. The romance between the leads is cute and believable. It didn't move me as much as 'Once', but it is certainly a worthy entry in Carney's filmography.