Blood, sweat and tears.

Rating: 8/10 (8 March 2018)

WHIPLASH is directed by Damien Chazelle and stars lead actor Miles Teller and supporting actor J.K. Simmons. The story is about Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), an aspiring drummer who is discovered by Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), a highly praised conductor of a jazz band. Fletcher invites Andrew to his class after hearing him play. While in the band Andrew discovers how Fletcher teaches his musicians with what some would see it as, abuse (Mostly mental abuse but also physical as one might understand from one scene in the film).
Blood, sweat and tears. This ancient saying is visually symbolized in the film. WHIPLASH tells about the struggle in the path to success. Andrew is constantly abused by Fletcher who believes that it is necessary to push his musicians to the very edge for them to become great musicians. It's better explained by a quote from Fletcher himself: "There are no two words in the English language more harmful than good job". The film also confronts all the sacrifice that is required to reach greatness. Andrew spends hours upon hours, days upon days, practicing his drumming skills. He breaks up with his girlfriend who he believes will slow him down in his path to success. He even gets in a car crash and is injured but immediately gets up to walk right up to his show.
The ending scene in this film is perfect (As so many others also believe). After being confronted by Fletcher who knew about Andrew being the one who caused Fletcher to be removed from the Shaffer conservatory, Andrew gets embarrassed by Fletcher in probably the biggest moment of his career. After this Andrew walks out of the stage and then suddenly, something changes his mind. He is willing to give it all he's got before leaving music. He is willing to take that extra step that others might not do. Andrew walks back in and starts playing the drums. After a while Fletcher realizes that this is the moment, the moment in which a great artist could be born. And remember, as mentioned in one scene in this film, Fletcher never had "the next Louis Armstrong". He saw this as a great opportunity for him. So, he leads him in the defining moment and at the very end gives him a subtle smile of approval as to finally say: Good job.
Young and talented director, Damien Chazelle, has created an amazing film with A CRAP TON OF INTENSITY AND SUSPENSE, which I believe is rare for music-themed films. The performances Miles Teller and J..K. Simmons are STUNNING. After watching this film it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the role of these two characters. The cinematography is incredible, the editing is PERFECT (especially in the ending sequence). While there is so much more to speak up and discuss about this film I'll settle with saying that this is one of my personal favorites of 2014 and I hope that Damien Chazelle keeps making breath-taking films for audiences to see like this one.