La La Land | 2016

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Creator/Director • Damien Chazelle

Lead cast

• Emma Stone as Mia Dolan — an aspiring actress working as a barista on a studio lot

• Ryan Gosling as Sebastian — a passionate jazz pianist dreaming of opening his own club

Based on

An original screenplay — it is not based on a book, but its structure and style are heavily inspired by traditional Hollywood musicals and the French New Wave.

AI Summary

La La Land tells the story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a dedicated jazz musician, struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this musical explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. As their careers begin to take off, they must choose between love and ambition — leading to a bittersweet, emotionally resonant conclusion.

My feelings, thoughts, and opinions

• Don't love how it starts, really thought it was going to be one of those movies where I would say, "Why did I wait THIS long to see this movie?"

  
  

I finished the movie now, and I still think the same. However, I love how the movie had a good storyline. I really loved it. Though I don't understand why it was up for big awards, it feels more like a good Tuesday movie rather than a big Hollywood production.

I also really like the story and the conflict about them chasing their dreams.

The ending, where they were with different partners seeing each other again, is gold.

Edit* Apparently, the last 10 minutes were part of the ending, even better. That last moment when they looked at each other and closed the chapter, PAIN IN MY HEART.