Sing Street (2016)

“Sing Street” is a 2016 musical about a teenage boy coming of age and all the troubles he faces. It is funny, fluent and unexpected, keeping viewers guessing until the last scene.

Set in Dublin in the 1980s, this is the story of 15-year-old Connor. Things aren’t doing so well financially at home and he’s been moved to a smaller, rough boys’ school fo convenience. Here he encounters bullies and cruel, violent teachers. What with insecurity at home and bullying at school, things begin to look rough for Connor. Then he meets the beautiful Raphina, a 16-year-old model living across the road form the school. In a desperate bid to impress her, Connor invites Raphina to star in the first music video of his band. Intrigued, she accepts. Now Connor just has to start a band…

He manages to source a ‘manager’, a drummer, bass player and another member who can play “just about every instrument in the world”. The band is called ‘Sing Street’ and, despite some serious setbacks, manages to maintain their friendship. The group’s wacky costume and makeup choices provide some of the few light moments in the darker part of the film. Every twist and turn of their adventures is completely unexpected, which can be startling but definitely leaves you wanting more.

Music plays a very important part in the film. The pace, key and tones set the mood for each section of the story. Characters really come alive with a guitar in their hands or a microphone before their mouth. There are triumphant songs and sorrowful songs, and authority-challenging ones too. These songs are not only important for Connor to make his band known and respected: they underly the whole movie. Youngsters and parents alike will stick with the sometimes-upsetting story, for the catchy tunes.

Some of the themes explored in the film are a little dark for young viewers. Betrayal and loneliness, for example. After starting ‘Sing Street’, things begin to look up for Connor at school. However, relationships at home get rocky and Connor finds himself in the middle of a family battle he doesn’t understand. This drives him to extreme measures… I would recommend this movie to teenagers, (13+) who enjoy exciting music and unpredictable stories.