Begin Again (2013)

Directed by: John Carney
Country: USA

Movie Review: “Begin Again” combines romance and music with passion, being undeniably irresistible on one side, but also too much ‘feel-good’ and neat on the other, despite the messy lives it tries to give shape. The film, also an ode to the city of New York, was directed by John Carney who already had joined the same ingredients in 2006, with the much triumphant “Once”. Greta (Keira Knightley) is an extremely talented songwriter who lives in the shadow of her boyfriend, the famous singer Dave Kohl (Adam Levine, lead vocalist of the band Maroon 5). Dave only thinks in his success, and while in a tour in L.A., he has an adventure with another woman, provoking the rupture of the couple. Sad and lonely, Greta has the chance to perform one of her songs in a bar, and is seen by Dan, an alcoholic musical agent who, moments earlier, had been fired from the record label he had helped to establish. Immediately, Dan gets stunned with what he’s listening to, and a personal and professional bond will arise, leading them to a set of important decisions for their lives. “Begin Again” can be seen as a positive movie in every aspect, but stumbles heavily when depicts Dan’s family, relegating the film to not so genuine places, which might have had more tragic consequences, but the amazing performances by Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo made me forget about it. Despite its flaws and magnified sweetness, “Begin Again” assures precious moments of fun and provides us with captivating pop songs, enough material to recommend it and ignore its main slips.