similyb’s review published on Letterboxd:
La La Land excels in capturing, with remarkable authenticity, the heartache and frustration of pursuing a dream that always seems just out of reach. The compromises, rejections, and the fear of not being talented enough can be utterly paralyzing.
I can't say enough about the technical aspects - from its enchanting score and mesmerizing choreography to its flawless production design and stunning cinematography, every element is executed with brilliance.
Emma Stone portrays Mia, a struggling actress, while Ryan Gosling plays Sebastian, a jazz musician seeking a break of his own. The two actors exhibit phenomenal on-screen chemistry, and foster genuine empathy for their characters. Despite their bond, their career paths threaten to separate them as a couple.
Mia: I'm always gonna love you.
Sebastian: I'm always gonna love you, too.
For me, it is the bittersweet ending that cements its status as a masterpiece. Several years later, Mia has found success and is happily married to someone else. When, by chance, she and her husband wander into a jazz club owned by Sebastian, the two share a moment of recognition. What follows is a poignant sequence imagining the life they might have shared, only for the film to return to reality. With a final exchange of smiles, they silently acknowledge their past before parting ways.
That is perfection!
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