Watch Begin Again

Begin Again is a 2013 musical comedy-drama film directed by John Carney and starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine. The film tells the story of Gretta (Knightley), a young songwriter who has come to New York City with her musician boyfriend Dave (Levine), in the hopes of making it big. However, Gretta's dreams are shattered when Dave lands a record deal and cheats on her. Heartbroken, Gretta is ready to give up on her music career when she is discovered by Dan (Ruffalo), a struggling record producer who is going through his own personal and professional turmoil.

The movie begins with Gretta singing one of her songs at a small bar, where Dan happens to be in the audience. Despite being initially uninterested in Gretta's music, Dan sees potential in her and tries to convince her to record an album with him. Although Gretta is reluctant at first, she eventually agrees, and the two begin to work on the project together.

As they begin to produce the album, the two also find solace in each other's company. Dan is dealing with a failing marriage and a strained relationship with his daughter, while Gretta is trying to come to terms with the end of her relationship with Dave. Despite their age difference and personal issues, Dan and Gretta develop a strong connection through their music and their shared passion for creating something new.

Throughout the film, we watch Gretta and Dan's relationship grow alongside the progress of the album. As they record the songs, they bring in other musicians, giving them each a moment to shine. This results in a beautiful, diverse sound that reflects the emotions of everyone involved. The music becomes a symbol for the characters' struggles and ultimately helps them overcome their personal conflicts.

One of the movie's highlights is definitely the musical performances. Not only do we get to see Keira Knightley sing beautifully, but we also witness Adam Levine's musical talent in action, as well as a number of other skilled musicians. The musical numbers are beautifully shot and feel like genuine, impromptu performances, adding to the authenticity of the film.

Throughout the movie, there is a strong theme of second chances. Both Dan and Gretta are given a chance to start over, both professionally and romantically. They find hope in the power of music and the connection it creates between them. The movie encourages us to take a chance on something new and to not let our past failures define us.

In terms of performances, Keira Knightley gives an exceptional performance as Gretta. She brings a vulnerability to the character that is both relatable and endearing. Mark Ruffalo is equally impressive as Dan, bringing depth to the character's personal struggles. Adam Levine, despite his limited screen time, portrays Dave with a surprising depth, adding layers to what could have been a one-dimensional character.

Overall, Begin Again is a charming, feel-good movie that will leave you tapping your feet and humming along to the catchy tunes. The performances are strong, the music is vibrant, and the message is uplifting. Anyone who has ever had a dream or faced failure in their life will find something to connect with here.

Begin Again is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 62.