La La Land: How I Relate

   

 I have always loved movies. Watching them with my parents, friends, and relatives has always been fun. I saw a lot of good movies in 2016. I really loved the dark humor and charm of Deadpool and the intense action of Rogue One. One movie really stuck out for me, though. La La Land was probably not my favorite movie of 2016, but definitely my 2nd favorite and favorite drama.

    

       La La Land is about Mia and Sebastian, both aspiring artists in Los Angeles. Mia wants to be an actor, but while her friends drag her to parties with more people who dream to become famous, she longs for something more. Sebastian is a failing jazz musician who feels like jazz is dying off, and wishes to make his own club. They meet, and at first find nothing in common, but slowly grow close. This was a very believable plot, and another great thing about the movie is the music.    
             I've always also loved music. Just like Mia in the film, I thought jazz was only elevator music, and that it sucked. I was proven wrong by this film's music. While the music is just a deviation on the four main songs of this movie which are all accompanied with beautiful dance numbers, the way the musicians twist it makes all of the songs special in their own way. All of the dance numbers are done amazingly and I have now danced many times in my kitchen to this soundtrack.

        I could relate to how Mia and Seb felt because one of the movie's big points is that you sometimes have to give things up for something else you want. I won't spoil the movie, but that ties in big. I could relate because when I came to my new school, I gave up most of my old relationships with other classmates. I had to trade in these people I knew so well for complete strangers. In the end it all worked out, and I made new friends, but I feel like a stranger when I say hi to old classmates on the street. 
       La La Land was a uplifting film that has complete potential to be a classic. It was definitely a love it or hate it movie, though. Its resemblance to old Hollywood musicals had me hooked all the way through. While this movie is a romance, it isn't inappropriate for younger audiences. I would give this movie a 9 out of 10, with its sweeping soundtrack, beautiful dance numbers, and relatable story.  
        

Sources:

https://open.spotify.com/album/3GU8BzFEAdFSRjc8jZkL3S

http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/02/la-la-land-review?watch

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_La_Land_(film)