K Mizz
Perfection. One of the best movies ever made. Musical genius. Dancing. Whimsy. Romance. Heartbreak. Storyline that mirrors life, yet keeps dreams alive. Can watch it over and over again!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
11/29/24
Full Review
Gary
One thing about this movie is telling us is to Follow our Dreams 💫✊🏿🎞🎬❤
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/20/23
Full Review
G
An American Classic Love Story
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/31/21
Full Review
Katie D
Definitely not what I was expecting! I love Emma and Ryan together but the storylines were a bit drawn out and disappointingly difficult to follow. Some of the musical numbers/dream sequences felt out of place and over the top, sending the audience out of La La Land. I did really like the jazz coming into a new generation and John Legend's music! This movie was really good but not not great.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
03/15/21
Full Review
Audience Member
La La Land (2016) is a visually stunning, emotionally evocative musical that blends classic Hollywood romance with modern-day sensibilities. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, the story follows Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a passionate jazz musician, as they navigate their dreams, careers, and relationships in Los Angeles. As they pursue their artistic ambitions, their relationship faces both exciting and painful challenges. The movie utilizes a backdrop of vivid color palettes, romantic locations, and jazz music, and captures the dreamlike quality of working towards both love and success.
The genre of La La Land is a modern musical, drawing from the traditions of Hollywood's Golden Age, such as the dramatic romance and breakup seen at the end of Casablanca, while incorporating the sensibilities of contemporary cinema. While La La Land is an original work, it shares thematic and stylistic connections with films like Whiplash (2014), another film by Chazelle which explores the sacrifices required for artistic greatness. La La Land is not part of a series or an adaptation, but it reflects some nostalgia for musicals while telling a fresh story. In terms of filmmaking, La La Land scores well in almost every aspect. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren is visually stunning, with sweeping shots which reflect both the characters' emotional arcs and elevate the setting of Los Angeles. The opening scene, a large-scale musical number set on a freeway during rush hour, immediately sets the tone for the film’s playful and extravagant approach to storytelling. The color palette is constructed to evoke each scene’s mood, from the vibrant oranges and pinks of sunsets to the more muted blues and grays used in more somber moments. The editing by Tom Cross allows the film to flow seamlessly from one number to the next, without disrupting the story's emotional rhythm. In particular, the long, uninterrupted takes during dance sequences help show a sense of realism within the world of the movie. The sound design and music by Justin Hurwitz are crucial to the story’s emotional depth, with the score and songs such as “City of Stars” and “Another Day of Sun” becoming memorable, almost iconic, pieces of the film.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling give captivating performances, giving their roles charm, vulnerability, and chemistry. Emma Stone's portrayal of Mia is filled with sincerity and relatability. Her arc—from struggling barista to aspiring actress—strikes an emotional chord, and her performance of "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" is a highlight. Gosling's Sebastian is both parts dreamy and stubborn, focusing on the sacrifices he makes for his music and love. Chazelle's direction is successfully able to bring these elements together, combining musical spectacles with emotional resonance. His understanding of both the extravagant musical genre and the human experience allows La La Land to feel timeless. While the film might feel like a reflection of classic musicals, it raises expectations, especially in its ending that is more bittersweet than a typical Hollywood romance. It’s undeniable that the film takes on the complexity of ambition, love, and personal sacrifice in a meaningful way. It’s about the tension and hardships that come between following your dreams and the realities of life, a theme that resonates with many people in today’s world.
Ultimately, La La Land is a cinematic experience that combines beautiful visuals, exceptional music, and deeply emotional performances. Whether you’re a fan of musicals or not, its exploration of relationships and dreams makes it universally enjoyable. The film’s balance of romance, drama, and music is captivating and thought-provoking. In conclusion, I believe La La Land is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a beautiful film with heart, stunning visuals, and a fantastic score. Its emotional complexity and depth allow it to be considered more than just a simple romance, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
I would highly recommend La La Land for anyone looking for a film that is both fun and also leaves them with something to reflect on. The performances, music, and direction make it a highly regarded piece of cinema.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/21/25
Full Review
Drew M
Phenomenal.
The plotting, the music/songs they sing, everything. I loved all the vibrant color options.
10/10
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/21/25
Full Review
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