'La La Land' review: This musical is just what you need to light up a dark day

We live in a cynical world and Damien Chazelle's mesmerising romantic musical (hailed as the front-runner for this year’s Academy Awards) is just what you need to light up the dark days. Set in contemporary times, beaming with optimism and soaked in nostalgia, the old-fashioned romance, tugs at your heartstrings with its relevance and simplicity. It reminds you who you were before failures made you practical.

Chazelle's riveting storytelling and Stone-Gosling's terrific performances make you relive the nervous excitement of first love and the devastating emotions of shattered dreams. This lyrical masterpiece brings every dreamer's fantasy and fears to life. It recreates ' Hollywood movie magic', right from the spectacular single-take opening song (Another Day of Sun), where motorists sing and dance atop their cars on a clogged LA freeway.

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall - seasons signify the highs and lows in Mia and Sebastian's seemingly idyllic relationship. Life may not pan out the way you'd desired but true love makes it worthwhile - this message lies at the heart of Chazelle's basic but soul-stirring tale. The underlying conflict between hopes, wishes and reality never seemed so real.

Though the film is hopelessly romantic, it's equally relatable. You can see yourself through the eyes of its vulnerable protagonists, making their tale, your own.


Gosling and Stone's chemistry is remarkable.

Interestingly, Justin Hurwitz’s soulful music is an extension of the characters' state of mind. Sung by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, 'City of Stars' is a classic melancholy tune that's bound to melt your heart.

The performances and chemistry between the lead actors is remarkable. Gosling shines as a prickly Jazz purist, who conceals his emotions while Stone stands out as the sparkly girl, whose eyes speak a million words. Together they are magical and so is this eternal love ballad that will change the way you look at life.