Sing Street
Shudipto Priyodarshan
2016 so far has not been a great year for movies. It has been filled with blockbusters that have ranged from being unexpectedly good to profoundly disappointing. So, when I stumbled upon the movie Sing Street, this under-hyped indie movie about a bunch of kids forming a band, I didnt expect much. It sounded generic to me. By the end of the movie, however, I was completely blown away.
The premise of the film is about a young boy named Conor living in Dublin in the year 1985. Like a lot of kids, he is going through the troubles of seeing his parents incessantly fight. His older brother is initially depicted as a disappointment to the family. He mopes around in his bedroom, strumming his guitar and attempting to write comical songs based on his parents loud arguments. His situation worsens when his father announces that hes being moved to a tuition-free school due to the familys financial troubles.
Conors first few days in his new school are far from ideal, and he faces a lot of grief from both a bully and his strict headmaster, which leaves him emotionally dejected. One day, he meets a beautiful, slightly older girl in front of his school and in trying to impress her, he naively says that hes in a band and is looking for a model. She agrees, but then he is left with the dilemma of actually having to form a band. With his fellow misfit friend Darren, they set off together on a quest to find the rest of their band members, and this is where the movie really kicks off. They first recruit an incredibly talented boy named Eamon, and then the rest follow.
At first, they attempt to cover songs of other bands, but then Conors older brother tells him to scrap this idea and make their own music. Following this advice, Conor and Eamon draw inspiration from other established artists and come up with completely original songs of their own. Conor writes most of the lyrics based on his own life. With Raphina, the older girl recruited as their model, the band starts to make music videos.
That is all Ill tell you about the story. Hopefully, I have piqued your interest so that you will watch the movie for yourself. The best part of this movie is the music. The soundtrack is absolutely incredible, the music will make you jump up and dance. The chemistry between all of the young actors is quite commendable, it could easily have gone wrong. And the part that takes you by surprise is Conors relationship with his brother Brendan, who ends up being his mentor. Their brotherhood is portrayed magnificently and it pulls on your heartstrings. Conor and Raphinas romance is the main focus and it is handled brilliantly, it never feels forced or cheesy.
This movie doesnt shock you with anything new, it often feels very familiar, but it uses film cliches effectively and in a coherent way to tell a fantastic story. I can guarantee that by the end of this movie, you will feel joyous and inspired. A few kids forming a band in a living room, that is something that you can aspire to.
Amidst all of the high-budgeted sci-fi action thrillers filled with CGI, this movie is a breath of fresh air. It is easily my favorite movie of the year and it goes without saying that I am recommending it to all of you!
