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Courtesy Begin Again

Begin Again: Once in a Blue Moon

Once in a blue moon I cover a narrative film. For context, here’s a list of the few I’ve covered:

Secretary (2002)

Tell No One (French, 2006)

Stardust (2007)

An Angel at My Table (1990)

Gaby: A True Story (1987)

Mostly Martha (2001)

Rango (2011)

What’s In A Name? (French, 2012)

I discovered John Carney’s Begin Again on Netflix. It stars the ubiquitous James Corden, Keira Knightly, and Mark Ruffalo—with support from Hailee Steinfeld, Catherine Keener, and Adam Levine. Ruffalo plays a way-down-on-his-luck music producer; Knightly, a broken-hearted singer/songwriter; and Corden, her scene-stealing friend.

Begin Again is a sweet story of redemption—lovingly smothered with great music. In addition to the story’s simplicity, I was inspired by the exquisite production quality and the actors’ standard-bearing performances. Carney is a master at exploring and capturing the richness of poignant moments.

You may find the film on Showtime, Netflix, and online sites that sell old-fashioned discs.

P.S. Oscar winner Carney is also the writer/director of Once (2007). His latest film, Sing Street, was released this year.

Tags

begin again, john carney, once, music, mark ruffalo, keira knightley, james corden