“Begin Again” starts off with a reluctant stage performance at a bar by Greta (Keira Knightley), with Dan (Mark Ruffalo) as one of the audience members. The focus then shifts to how both of them ended up at the bar to begin with. The backstory of Dan tells us how he is a record producer with a sinking-boat of a career, with a wife who has left him, and a disappointed daughter who has given up. The scene at the bar from Dan’s perspective, how he listens to the same song with background instruments, is enchanting, as is the way his imagination transforms the simple performance into an amazing song has been brilliantly directed. The movie’s perspective then shifts to Greta after Dan approaches her with an offer to make a record. She came to Manhattan with her lover/partner Dave (Adam Levine) who has a record deal with a major label. She is left heartbroken in a new city when Dave is lead astray by the temptations of his new found success.
The rest of the movie shows the soul-nourishing journey of how music brings together two strangers and helps them bond while restoring the balance in their lives.
The entire process of finding the band members, implementing the idea of making live music and recording it, has been shown in a very fun, realistic and exciting way. Also, how both of them develop a bond by working together and understanding each other has a unique kind of romance attached to it.
Thankfully though, there aren’t any clichéd happy endings and love stories. The movie ends at a veryrealistic and positive, yet open-ended note. It is refreshing to see how a close friendship doesn’t necessarily turn into a relationship, or how Greta doesn’t try to be the bigger person by forgiving Dave.
There are a few drawbacks; the open ending might not be everybody’s cup of tea. It is hard to understand the bond that Greta and Dan develop. It is a very lighthearted and easygoing movie; there is very little drama and romance. It will definitely not fit the bill of a rom-com if that is what you are into.
In all, the movie has good direction, brilliant music (by Glen Hansard and New Radicals frontman Gregg Alexander), a great cast, and a refreshing storyline. It is true to itself, honest, realistic, and fun to watch.
It is something very rare, the feeling that you get when you find YOUR song, this movie will definitely leave you with that sense of satisfaction.
– by Samiksha Sindhu
