Director: John Carney
Writer: John Carney
Genre: Muscial Drama, Romantic Comedy
Starring: Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld, James Corden, Catherine Keener
Runtime: 104 minutes
Language: English
Box Office: $65.7 million (on an $8 million budget)
Music By: Gregg Alexander (formerly of The New Radicals)
Similar To: Once (2007), Sing Street (2016), La La Land (2016)
Overview
With incredible powerful scenes and raw emoution from Kiera Knightley, Begin Again is the story of self-discovery, empowerment, music, and love in a wholesome package. The film is directed, written, and produced by the very talented John Carney, who also directed Once (2007) and Sing Street (2016). We see both heartwarming storytelling paired with a conefectionary sweet soundtrack providing a truely unique experience.
In Begin Again, Knightley plays Greta, a struggling singer in New York, who crosses paths with a worked up producer played by Mark Rullalo. Who knew a washed up music producer and a struggling singer song writer could change eachother’s lives through the power of genuine music.
As defined by most in the industry, it is a romatic drama. However, the film seems to break those molds by putting a lot more emphasis on personal character development, artistic cooperation, and collaboration rather than on romance.
Summary of the Plot
Greta James (Keira Knightley) is a gifted singer and songwriter, although she is not very famous yet. She relocates to New York City with her boyfriend, Dave Kohl (Adam Levine) after he gets a recording contract. But everything comes crashing down when she finds out that Dave has been unfaithful to her. Now, Greta is heartbroken and alone in a city where she has no friends.
One day, her best friend Steve (James Corden) manages to persuade her to come to an open mic night and perform. In the audience there is Dan Mulligan (Mark Ruffalo), who was a successful music producer but lost his job at his own record label. He is currently out of work. Dan is impressed by what he witnesses and ultimately imagines how an entire production can come out of an acoustic performance.
Dan decides to take matters into his own hands and, despite Gretta’s doubts, works towards convincing her to record a solo album. Utilizing the entire city as their studio, there is no record label or budget available. The two of them record songs in public places, like on rooftops, in alleys, and in the subway all while capturing the essence of the city.
As they work together, Gretta gradually becomes self-assured again while Dan rediscovers his love for music. At the same time, Gretta’s ex, Dave, becomes popular but suffers from doubts regarding his artistic self. Gretta faces the challenge of deciding between achieving fame and being truthful to her art while starting to recognize her value both in music and life.
This film leaves the audience empowered with the takeaway that true success is not defined by wealth or recognition, but remaining true to oneself.
Motifs and Symbols
- Music as Healing & Self-Discovery
Both Gretta and Dan are at rock bottom – one professionally devastated and the other heartbroken. Music serves as a remedy to their chaos, allowing them to heal, build their self-esteem, and relentlessly push forward.
- NYC as a Creative Playground
The film pays tribute to NYC as a form of art on its own, where spontaneous creative magic is born, rather than just treating it as a backdrop to a scene.
- Commercialism v. True Art
Gretta is in a dilemma and wishes to remain true to her art or gain fame, just like other artists do in real life.
- Cross-Sex Non-Romantic Relationships
The film focuses on mutual respect and creativity between Gretta and Dan, who deeply care for each emotionally, but do not focus on romance.
Performances & Character Analysis
Keira Knightley as Gretta James
Knightley plays the character with refreshing simplicity and proves that she can act outside period films. Her soft voice and soulful singing brings authenticity to Greta’s indie musician character.
Mark Ruffalo as Dan Mulligan
Ruffalo does well in bringing life into the character of a passionate, yet flawed producer, a role that is full of warmth and humor. One of the higher points of the film is the character’s transformation from a cynical drunkard to an invigorated educational figure.
Adam Levine as Dave Kohl
Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, makes his acting debut by playing the character of Greta’s ex-boyfriend and successfully acts the part, displaying the internal struggle of a trying artist.
Hailee Steinfeld as Violet Mulligan
Portraying Dan’s teenage daughter, Steinfeld further enhances the emotional portrayal with a more complex father-daughter narrative.
James Corden as Steve
Corden adds the much-needed comic relief in the movie which balances the serious issues and helps Gretta in her quest.
Critical Reception & Box Office
Rotten Tomatoes: 83% Critics / 81% Audience Score
Metacritic: 62 Generally favorable reviews
Box Office: $65.7 million worldwide (on budget $8 million)
Positive Reviews:
✔ Uplifting & Feel-good – The film shows genuineness and compassion that leaves its viewers with a smile.
✔ Memorable Soundtrack – Songs Lost Stars and Coming Up Roses bring emotion in the story.
✔ Proficient Chemistry Within The Leads: The two do not romantically get along which makes the pairing of Knightly & Ruffalo interesting.
Criticism:
❌ The Uneven Underdog Story: Per some critics, it goes to the same “underdog musician” storyline.
❌ Dry voce from Keira Knightly: She is enchanting, but lacks the necessary heavy voice many expected.
Memorable Scenes & Excellent Musical Highlights:
- Dan’s Fantasy About Gretta’s Stage Performance
While Gretta on stage sings A Step You Can’t Take Back, Dan visualizes her to be singing with different instruments simultaneously, proving his producer’s ear as well as the wonder of a magic in musiс production.
- Band Recording Activities Practiced In NYC
Inclusion of actual sounds of the city adds freshness and highlights the beauty of street music. The band’s determination to self produce shines through with the savagery of the music capturing everything at the very moment.
- Gretta & Dan Strolling in NYC During The Night
Emphasizing the relationship they have, and how deeply it touches them, they listen to music while sharing a single pair of headphones. There were no romantic feelings, only art.
- Dave’s performance of “Lost Stars.”
In the end, Gretta’s turning their song into a hit single makes her notice how much Dave has changed, which results to her arriving to the finality of withdrawing from commercial success.
- The Film’s Outro Gretta’s Choice That Makes Her A Hero Of the Story
Rather than signing herself onto a record label, she chooses to independently publish her album to promote it, thus showcasing that her creative endeavors are her real success.
Selling Behind the Scenes & Production Notes
Knightley Sang on Set – Unlike most film musicals, Knightley sang her parts live, enhancing the authenticity of the film.
Real New York City Shoot – The film was shot in New York City where external sounds were captured to boost the film’s authenticity.
John Carney’s Musical Trilogy – This films comes after Once (2007) and before Sing Street (2016) as all these movies depict the effect of music on relationships and life.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch It?
✅ Watch it if you enjoy:
✔ Dramas with a musical theme ( Once , La La Land)
✔ Motivationally inspiring films
✔ Movies with storyline centered around races and art.
❌ Skip it if you dislike:
✖ Films with a slow pace and strong storyline based m.
✖ Subdued romantic thrillers
✖ Gentle singing within the context of indie music.
Final Verdict: A Soulful, Uplifting Musical Journey
Begin Again is a tribute to creativity, self-actualization, and music. With a celebrity cast, a touching plot, and a score that’s impossible to forget, this film will be a staple for all music enthusiasts and creatives. 🎵✨