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Begin Again

R Released Jul 2, 2014 1h 44m Comedy Drama Romance Music List
83% Tomatometer 169 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her songwriting partner/lover Dave (Adam Levine) head for New York when he lands a record deal with a major label. However, Gretta is suddenly left on her own when Dave gives in to the temptations that come with his newfound success. Things take a turn for the better for her when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record executive, discovers Gretta performing in a club. A mutually life-changing bond forms between the pair as they work together on Gretta's first album.
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Begin Again

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Critics Consensus

Writer-director John Carney's return to musical drama isn't quite as potent as it was with Once, but thanks to charming work from its well-matched leads, Begin Again is difficult to resist.

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Critics Reviews

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Cath Clarke Time Out What makes it special is that it's not another romance about finding a man. It's about finding your people, about being a bit lost in your twenties. Rated: 4/5 Jul 2, 2020 Full Review Alissa Wilkinson Christianity Today Begin Again is the best sort of summer movie, with great performances and a solid core. It's clearly a work that comes from love shared by people who enjoyed making it, and that makes it fun for us to watch out in the audience, too. Rated: 3.5/4 Apr 13, 2016 Full Review Evan Williams The Australian I've seen happier endings in Oklahoma! and Singin' in the Rain, but this one feels genuine - and in an unexpected way, deeply satisfying. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 11, 2014 Full Review JD Duran InSession Film The film explores how other options could've come into play, but you still have to deal with it and you don't have to stay stuck in the heartache. The exploration of that theme is fascinating and handled really well here. Rated: A Aug 19, 2024 Full Review Fausto Fernandez Fotogramas A variation of A Star is Born... But an optimist, kind, luminous and magical [take] led by a marvelous, sentimental humanist fable about second chances. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 4/5 Jun 27, 2022 Full Review Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies In a perfect world, Begin Again would have been up for Best Picture and more. Aug 17, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Sasha L Begin Again is a heartwarming and uplifting film that beautifully captures the transformative power of music and human connection. Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo deliver captivating performances, portraying two lost souls who find solace and creativity in each other during their lowest points. The film’s simplicity is its strength—telling a heartfelt story of redemption, second chances, and the magic of collaboration without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental. The soundtrack is a standout, with Knightley's surprising musical talent shining through in beautifully written songs that stay with you long after the credits roll. The music feels authentic, and the rawness of the street performances throughout New York City adds a unique and intimate charm to the film. Director John Carney does an excellent job balancing humor, emotion, and inspiration, making Begin Again both a feel-good movie and a poignant exploration of life's ups and downs. It’s a perfect pick for anyone who loves music, second chances, or just a well-told story about finding hope in unexpected places. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/19/24 Full Review Daniel G Just one of those somewhat conventional movies about the music business and breakthrough artists and broken hearts that just hit the right tone for us, with lovely songs, competent protagonists and great dynamics - with a touch of past/present in the beginning that didn't overstay its welcome. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/04/24 Full Review Ravenswood R It is really frightening that so many people like this movie or the music contained within. I am a medium level musician, no big talent, and I can prove to anyone at any time that I can write songs exactly like the ones in this movie 10 times a day with no effort whatsoever. It is completely formulaic, idiotic lyrics, three chord commercial garbage. The story is absurd, the dialogue is inane. This movie is so dumbed down and reading comments here is making me realize that as dumb as I am I must be way smarter than I think. This movie is entirely idiotic on every level. People, I am so sorry but if you find this to be quality entertainment, you are a blockhead. But you're probably happy. NYC on location shooting gives it an extra half star. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 05/31/24 Full Review KB B This was such an exceptional movie with great acting and storyline. Mark Ruffalo was excellent as usual. The ending was such a nice twist. It's definitely worth the watch. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/10/24 Full Review Conrad C A good movie with a spectacular soundtrack, "Begin Again" commits to original music and authentic performances. This movie is unafraid to tell this story in the way it wants, drawing out certain scenes and performances longer than necessary, but if you're engrossed than you don't mind. In a movie with a lot of music, I would not have objected to hearing even more of Keira Knightley. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/14/24 Full Review R. P It's just a collection of clichés. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her songwriting partner/lover Dave (Adam Levine) head for New York when he lands a record deal with a major label. However, Gretta is suddenly left on her own when Dave gives in to the temptations that come with his newfound success. Things take a turn for the better for her when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record executive, discovers Gretta performing in a club. A mutually life-changing bond forms between the pair as they work together on Gretta's first album.
Director
John Carney
Producer
Tobin Armbrust, Anthony Bregman, Judd Apatow
Screenwriter
John Carney
Distributor
Weinstein Co.
Production Co
Apatow Productions, Exclusive Media, Sycamore Pictures, Likely Story
Rating
R (Language)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 2, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 17, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$16.2M
Runtime
1h 44m
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