La La Land Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two attractive people in LA can’t decide if they want fame or each other, so they just pick fame and open a jazz club, respectively.

🍿 La La Land: Detailed Plot Synopsis

First Encounters and Shared Dreams

Mia, an aspiring actress working as a barista on a studio lot, and Sebastian, a jazz pianist struggling to keep his musical passion alive, first meet through a series of chance encounters. They are both chasing their dreams in Los Angeles, a city known for its allure and its brutal competition. Their initial interactions are marked by playful antagonism.

Falling in Love and Supporting Each Other

As Mia and Sebastian spend more time together, they discover a mutual appreciation for each other’s talent and ambition, leading to a blossoming romance. They encourage each other to pursue their dreams, with Sebastian urging Mia to write her own play and Mia supporting Sebastian’s desire to open his own jazz club. Their relationship is fueled by their shared passion and artistic drive.

Compromises and Sacrifices

As their careers progress, Mia and Sebastian face difficult choices that test their relationship. Sebastian takes a gig playing in a pop-oriented band to provide financial stability, which clashes with his artistic ideals. Mia struggles with unsuccessful auditions and the pressure to conform to Hollywood’s expectations. These compromises create tension and strain their bond.

The Breaking Point

The pressure of their individual pursuits eventually leads to a significant argument. Sebastian’s commitment to his band’s tour conflicts with Mia’s play, causing them to question their priorities and make difficult choices. Mia feels unsupported when Sebastian misses her play, leading her to return to her hometown, believing her dreams are unattainable.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mia (Emma Stone): An aspiring actress who works as a barista while pursuing her dreams in Hollywood.
• Sebastian (Ryan Gosling): A dedicated jazz pianist with a passion for preserving the genre and opening his own club.
• Laura (Rosemarie DeWitt): Sebastian’s sister, who worries about his life choices and encourages him to be more practical.
• Bill (J.K. Simmons): The restaurant owner who fires Sebastian for improvising during his performance.
• Keith (John Legend): A high school classmate of Sebastian who invites him to join his successful, modern jazz band.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mia: “People love what other people are passionate about.” – Mia says this to Sebastian, expressing her belief in the power of genuine enthusiasm, which inspires him.
• Sebastian: “This is the land of second chances.” – Said by Sebastian, encapsulating the hope and optimism that Los Angeles represents for dreamers.
• Mia: “I’m letting life hit me until it gets tired. Then I’ll hit back. It’s a classic rope-a-dope.” – Mia says this when reflecting on her dreams and how life sometimes doesn’t go as planned.
• Sebastian: “Jazz is dying. We can’t let that happen.” – Said by Sebastian, showing his fervent passion for preserving traditional jazz music.
• Mia: “Maybe I’m not good enough.” – Mia says this, expressing her self-doubt and the pressures of pursuing a career in acting.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $151,101,803
• Worldwide Gross: $509,183,536

💥 La La Land Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘La La Land’ expecting a fun musical, but I left feeling like I’d experienced something truly special. The colors, the music, and the story just swept me away. The scene at the Griffith Observatory was breathtaking, and Emma Stone’s performance of ‘Audition’ gave me chills. The ending was so bittersweet, it’s stayed with me for days. Honestly, this film reminded me why I love movies!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood musicals”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic dramas with bittersweet endings”
  • “People interested in stories about artists and dreamers”
  • “Audiences who appreciate visually stunning and well-scored films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some mild language”
  • “Thematic elements of career struggles and unfulfilled dreams”
  • “Brief depiction of a party with alcohol consumption”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Damien Chazelle’s ‘La La Land’ is a dazzling and bittersweet ode to dreams, ambition, and the sacrifices we make for love and success. The film’s vibrant visuals, memorable music, and the palpable chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone create an unforgettable cinematic experience. A triumph of original storytelling.
• Rolling Stone: “A total knockout. ‘La La Land’ explodes with color, music, and emotion, offering a heartfelt tribute to the classic movie musical. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone deliver career-defining performances, capturing both the joy and heartbreak of pursuing dreams in a city that both inspires and crushes.
• Variety: “Damien Chazelle has crafted a vibrant, stylish, and deeply moving film that celebrates the art of filmmaking itself. ‘La La Land’ is a modern musical masterpiece, blending the charm of old Hollywood with a contemporary sensibility. The performances are sublime, and the music is simply unforgettable.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone was electric and made the film incredibly believable.: Audiences universally praised the film’s visual beauty and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

The ending was a bold choice that resonated with viewers who appreciated the film’s realism.: The music was frequently mentioned as a highlight, with many viewers praising the original songs and score.

Overall Consensus: ‘La La Land’ is a critically acclaimed and audience-loved musical that seamlessly blends classic Hollywood charm with modern storytelling, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Director)- 2017
2. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 2017
3. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 2017
4. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 2017
5. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 2017
6. Academy Award (Best Production Design)- 2017
7. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2017
8. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Musical or Comedy)- 2017
9. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy)- 2017
10. Golden Globe (Best Director)- 2017
11. Golden Globe (Best Screenplay)- 2017
12. Golden Globe (Best Original Score)- 2017
13. Golden Globe (Best Original Song)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ryan Gosling learned to play the piano specifically for this role, practicing for hours daily. All piano sequences in the film are actually played by him.”
• “The opening freeway dance number was filmed in a single day, requiring meticulous planning and coordination to pull off successfully.”
• “Damien Chazelle, the director, drew inspiration from classic musicals like ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,’ aiming to create a modern take on the genre.”
• “The film was shot on film (not digitally), using the CinemaScope format to give it a classic, widescreen look reminiscent of old Hollywood.”
• “Several iconic Los Angeles locations, such as the Griffith Observatory and the Chateau Marmont, were used to ground the film in a recognizable yet dreamlike version of the city.”

🖥️ How to Watch La La Land?

La La Land is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available to rent or buy. It’s also typically available for purchase on Apple TV. Check your local streaming services for availability, as offerings may vary by region. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) can usually be found at major retailers like Amazon and Target. Availability may change, so check listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed La La Land, you might like these similar films:

• The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964): Like ‘La La Land,’ this is a visually stunning musical that explores the bittersweet nature of love and lost opportunities.
• Singin’ in the Rain (1952): A classic Hollywood musical that captures the joy and energy of pursuing dreams in the entertainment industry. It’s a major inspiration for ‘La La Land’.
• A Star Is Born (2018): Similar to La La Land, A Star Is Born is a remake of earlier films but has a very modern appeal to audiences in that it mixes music, romance and the pursuit of passions.
• Once (2007): A low-budget indie musical that similarly explores the connection between two musicians and their shared passion, focusing on the emotional impact of their collaboration.
• 8 1/2 (1963): A director’s struggle with artistic block and personal relationships, 8 1/2 shows Federico Fellini’s auteur cinema and his creative crisis in a surreal and profound look at filmmaking.

🛒 La La Land Related Products

• La La Land (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Amazon Exclusive]: Relive the magic of La La Land with the complete soundtrack, featuring exclusive tracks and extended versions. Perfect for fans who want to immerse themselves in the film’s unforgettable music.
• La La Land – Limited Edition Vinyl Soundtrack: Own a piece of cinematic history with this limited-edition vinyl soundtrack. Features exclusive artwork and pressed on high-quality vinyl for the ultimate listening experience. A must-have for collectors and audiophiles.
• La La Land Movie Poster Set (4 Prints): High-quality prints featuring iconic imagery from La La Land, perfect for decorating your home theater or living space. Each poster captures the film’s vibrant colors and romantic atmosphere, making it a stylish addition to any fan’s collection.
• La La Land: The Complete Screenplay: Delve deeper into the story with the complete screenplay of La La Land. Discover deleted scenes, director’s notes, and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this modern classic. Available in digital format for easy reading on any device.

🎧 Soundtrack

La La Land features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Another Day of Sun” – performed by La La Land Cast
• “City of Stars” – performed by Ryan Gosling
• “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” – performed by Emma Stone
• “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme” – performed by Justin Hurwitz

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This camera-man deserves a raise! (La La Land, 2016)

Have you ever wondered how they filmed that amazing dance scene in La La Land? This behind-the-scenes video reveals the secrets, and it’s mind-blowing!

Emma Stone wins Best Actress | 89th Oscars (2017)

Relive the moment when Emma Stone’s incredible performance in La La Land earned her the coveted Oscar for Best Actress. It’s a testament to her talent and the film’s impact!

La La Land: Using Color | VIDEO ESSAY

Unlock the secrets of La La Land’s stunning visuals! This video essay dives into the film’s masterful use of color, revealing how it enhances the emotional journey and creates a truly immersive experience.

How Damien Chazelle Crafts an Ending

Curious about how La La Land’s ending came to be? This video essay takes you behind the scenes of Damien Chazelle’s creative process, revealing his secrets for creating powerful and memorable finales.

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