La La Land (2016)

Movie · 2016 · Comedy, Drama, Romance · 2h 9m · PG-13 · English

Curator score: 9.3/10 (5.3M ratings)

Here's to the fools who dream.

Overview

Mia, an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian, a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars, but as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.

Ratings

Director

Damien Chazelle

Production

Summit Entertainment, Gilbert Films, Impostor Pictures, Marc Platt Productions

Cast

Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, Callie Hernandez, Sonoya Mizuno, Jessica Rothe, Tom Everett Scott, Josh Pence, J.K. Simmons, Amiée Conn, Terry Walters, Thom Shelton, Cinda Adams, Claudine Claudio, Jason Fuchs, D.A. Wallach, Trevor Lissauer, Olivia Hamilton

Curator Review

Verdict

La La Land is a vibrant homage to classic musicals that explores the challenges of pursuing dreams and the impact of ambition on relationships. With stunning cinematography and a memorable score, it captures the essence of love and aspiration in a modern setting.

Best for

  • musical lovers
  • fans of romantic dramas
  • those who appreciate artistic cinematography

Skip if

  • dislike musicals
  • prefer straightforward narratives
  • not interested in romance

Overview

La La Land is a beautifully crafted film that marries the allure of classic Hollywood musicals with a contemporary narrative about love and ambition. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film features dazzling performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, whose chemistry brings the story to life. The film's vibrant colors and dynamic choreography create a visual feast that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Worth noting

The emotional depth of La La Land lies in its exploration of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of dreams. As Mia and Sebastian navigate their careers and relationship, viewers are treated to a poignant reflection on the cost of ambition. The film's music, particularly the unforgettable 'City of Stars,' further enhances its emotional resonance, making it a memorable cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Top Letterboxd reviews

Lucy (5★) · 47503 likes

this cured my depression and brought it back full force in the span of 2 hours

Karsten (4.5★) · 25676 likes

Love this movie more than I love myself

Sam Van Hallgren (5★) · 22071 likes

I've taken all of your criticisms into account and have determined that you're all wrong.

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Topics

musical, romance, Los Angeles, jazz, aspiration

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