Whiplash

Rating: 10/10 (18 January 2015)

Whiplash "There are no two words more harmful in the English language than 'Good job.'" Talent is the gateway drug to misery.
In the most ferociously terrifying film in years, a young jazz drummer spends his days working for the opportunity to study under an acclaimed instructor at one of the country's most elite music schools.
When he finally lands a spot, he's dealt a savagely vicious reminder to be careful what you wish for.
Thus begins Whiplash.
Easily 2014's best film, this is a cinematic manifestation of the barbarity, cruelty and depravity that arise from unyielding ambition. The never ending quest to be the best is one that often leaves its traveler with bumps and bruises rather than fame and fortune. WHIPLASH is unyielding and unrelenting in its journey of sacrifice and self-improvement – and writer/director Damien Chazelle hits each beat with a confidence and stride of a filmmaker with ten times his experience.
And then there's Mile Teller and J.K. Simmons – the most awe inspiring cinematic pairing in years. Through blood, sweat and tears, these two tear through the screen with a raw bloodthirstiness that you can neither bear watching nor rip your eyes away from. Their embodiment of wicked electricity boils over onto the screen in a way that no two other actors could have accomplished.
Whiplash is everything movies are supposed to be about: high wire emotions, acutely fleshed characters and a story that leaves you both exhausted and wanting more.
That's why Whiplash is the best film of the year.
So harmful or not, I'm going to say it.
Good job.