Youth at its best

Rating: 10/10 (27 September 2018)

I am a third generation Irish American with family from Kilkee and Cork. My father was taught by Christian Brothers. My brother was taught by Jesuits and myself by Cistercians. My sister was taught by the Ursulines. My nephews are named Conor and Brendan, just like in the movie. I mention these things to qualify an obvious prejudice in my assessment the film, "Sing Street", and I am as profoundly moved by the film, if not more, than I was with Carney's first film, "Once."
In "Sing Street," to say Carney has captured the zeitgeist is an understatement and profoundly unfair. Carney has captured: a hope, a dream, a vision, a culture, a spark, a conscience, a respect, a soul, a smile, a tear, a visual and lyrical heartbeat of joy, sadness, pride, honor, tragedy and loneliness. LOVE. The film brought me back in time, to a place that transcends nostalgia. It transported me to a dreamlike reality that exists in my mind when I close my eyes for a brief moment and I wish for the bravery to not worry like an adult and oftentimes shouldn't. Like "Back to the Future" except so very, very real. So many parts of "Sing Street" resonates with the humanity, humility, fear and excitement of being alive and present in this world. It was done through so many perspectives and managed to not drown out any one character's voice. Carney is modern day Shakespeare in eye, word and note.
As a young man, I dreamt of doing what Carney has done on the screen. John Carney, please don't ever stop creating these masterpieces and if possible, let me help you and your team in contributing an astounding chapter in the history of cinematic storytelling. Often I think I am alone on an inexplicable journey through chaos in this world. Not once, but twice Carney has spoken to me and millions with thoughtful and profoundly creative films that share in so many dimensions. (Full transparency, I haven't seen the second film but will do so in order to make my own conclusions about Keira Knightly.)
Do yourself a favor and watch this film.