Compelling at times, but over the top

Rating: 6/10 (1 October 2019)

While I thoroughly enjoyed the performances by the two lead actors, as a drummer myself I feel the musical situations/scenarios of the film are often exaggerated and overblown. I've been in many of the same situations as both teacher and student, and any teacher who acted the way this one does wouldn't last out the week (I actually know of a teacher who struck a student and he was dismissed the same day). Additionally, although I understand the student's intense desire for success, the lengths he is depicted going to are often counterproductive and even absurd (playing until his finger bleed for instance). I would welcome a little more balanced, intimate look at the often very complex relationship between an experienced but demanding mentor and his/her ambitious, aspiring student.