Begin Again (2013)

Begin Again tells the story of newly-out-of-work record producer Dan (Mark Ruffalo) and sometime-songwriter Gretta (Keira Knightley) and their endeavours to record and release an album in the outdoors of New York City, after the record company Dan co-founded refuses to sign her.

In fact, the city of New York actually functions as a character of sorts in the film. We are taken on a journey through the many sights and sounds of the city, in a film that must be described as a 'love letter' to the city itself.

Dan's quasi-relationship with his ex-wife (Catherine Keener) and daughter Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) supports the film also, as a subplot that provides further background into Dan's character, portrayed masterfully by Mark Ruffalo (then again, is there any film in which Mark Ruffalo hasn't portrayed his character masterfully? If there is, I'd be surprised)

Gretta has her own backstory/subplot as well, of course. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend, singer Dave (Adam Levine of Maroon 5 fame), and her previous hurts provide great fodder for her songwriting. She lives with long-time friend Steve (James Corden), who also helps out Dan and Gretta with the album, along with a few other colourful characters sourced from Dan's long list of contacts in the music industry.

This film is a wonderfully pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Yes, it has its ups and downs, but then again, so does life. This film does an adequate job of portraying one particular slice of life for the characters.

Standout performances come from Mark Ruffalo (as previously stated), Hailee Steinfeld and acting-newcomer Adam Levine, who does a pretty decent job of crossing over to film.

The film has a lot of heart, and a lot of great music (as long as it's to one's taste, I guess!)


7 out of 10.