In a nutshell, Sing Street is about a boy who decides
to form a band to impress a girl. If only put
that way, it makes the premise of the movie seems simplistic, clichéd, and
petty. However, it’s actually a rich,
feel-good, and heartwarming teen comedy-drama.
Set in mid-1980’s Dublin, the
plot centers on the youngest son of the struggling Lalor family, Connor
(Ferdia Walsh-Peelo). Unable anymore to
pay for his expensive fee-paying school, Connor’s father transfers him to a
free state-school, overseen by the despotic principal Bro. Baxter (Don
Wycherley). One day, outside the school,
he meets a beautiful aspiring model named Raphina (Lucy Boynton), and he is quickly
smitten. In an attempt to win her, he declares that his band needs a model for their music video, and asks her to be in it.
To make true of his ruse, Connor seeks the help of his classmate Darren (Ben Carolan), a wannabe businessman/producer, in forming his band. The first recruit is the multi-instrumentalist Eamon (Mark McKenna), who becomes Connor’s songwriting partner. Soon, the band positions are filled out by their other classmates. They named their band “Sing Street”, and Connor pours his heart into writing songs... and Raphina.
To make true of his ruse, Connor seeks the help of his classmate Darren (Ben Carolan), a wannabe businessman/producer, in forming his band. The first recruit is the multi-instrumentalist Eamon (Mark McKenna), who becomes Connor’s songwriting partner. Soon, the band positions are filled out by their other classmates. They named their band “Sing Street”, and Connor pours his heart into writing songs... and Raphina.
Sing Street has the same charm as The Breakfast Club and other definitive teen movies of the 80’s. It has the vibes of something made during
that period – reflecting its common tropes and ideas. However, we all have been once teenagers. And regardless of whatever decade our teenage
years were – 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, or 2000’s – this movie will surely strike a
chord with us, as it delightfully reminds us of the
emotions, sentiments, and boundless possibilities of that age – especially to
us who also experienced being in a band.
I don’t really agree with all of the movie’s values, but I do appreciate how its youthful, optimistic tone
enhances the impact of its themes – like seizing the moment; standing
up to bullies; the great bonds of brotherhood and friendship; and the great
expanse of inspiration, escape, and insights that music can and will
incite. There’s something indeed naïve and
romanticized about the overall message of the movie, but the endearing sanguinity
of the story is much more dominant.
Also, the soundtrack of this movie
is elevating. I don’t know how authentic
the singing and playing of the actors are, but the actual output of the songs
is pretty good. I like how the Sing
Street band evolves in music and style through this movie, and reflects the transitions of the narrative. There’s a lack of cool guitar licks though.
Sing Street is one of this year’s most overlooked movie gems, if
not the most. It’s really worth seeking out and
watching. It’s an extremely fantastic movie; after watching it, it’s as if I was being moved to do the final scene of The Breakfast Club…
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| THIS!!! |
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