Amazingly intense and powerful film

Rating: 9/10 (22 July 2017)

This is an extraordinarily intense film. Although it is about jazz, it has as much tension as the original version of Halloween. The compelling confrontation between teacher and student provides enough drama on its own; add to this a brilliant musical performance - especially the climactic drum solo - and you have a masterpiece. The acting of J.K. Simmons was mesmerizing; Andrew Newman was excellent and so was Melissa Benoist, of whom we saw far too little. I would recommend this film to anyone (unless you have a heart condition), and for jazz-lovers, it's a must-see.