Begin Again (2013)

A chance encounter between a disgraced music-business executive and a young singer-songwriter new to Manhattan turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.

Director:

John Carney

Writer:

John Carney

Stars:

Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
James Corden	...	Steve
Keira Knightley	...	Gretta
Mark Ruffalo	...	Dan
Hailee Steinfeld	...	Violet
Yasiin Bey	...	Saul
Karen Pittman	...	Business Woman
Paul Romero	...	Bartender
Catherine Keener	...	Miriam
Andrew Sellon	...	Christian Father
Ed Renninger	...	Barman
Adam Levine	...	Dave
Marco Assante	...	Marco
Mary Catherine Garrison	...	Jill
Jen Jacob	...	Dave's Fangirl
Rob Morrow	...	CEO

Storyline

Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label. But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, and a reeling, lovelorn Gretta is left on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City.

---

Plot Keywords:

manhattan new york city | record label | song | singer | singer songwriter | 

---

Taglines:

You're only as strong as your next move.

---

Genres:

Drama | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 July 2014 (USA)

Also Known As:

Can a Song Save Your Life?

Filming Locations:

Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$134,064 (USA) (27 June 2014)

Gross:

$16,168,741 (USA) (10 October 2014)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Exclusive Media Group, Sycamore Pictures, Apatow Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Datasat Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the scene where Gretta (Keira Knightley) and Dan (Mark Ruffalo) have dinner at a small café before Dan storms out, Knightley's mother Sharman Macdonald makes a cameo appearance as a customer at the table directly behind them.

---

Goofs

When Dave Kohl wins the Music Gong and Gretta, Steve, and Dan watch the video on the laptop, the audience screams out "Levine".

---

Quotes

Dan: That's some song you got there. I promise you it could be a big hit. Plus you're beautiful.
Gretta: I'm sorry, what's beauty got to do with anything?
Dan: Jesus, you're tricky, aren't you?

---

Connections

References Jerry Maguire (1996)

---

Soundtracks

Lost Stars
(Keira Version)
Written by Gregg Alexander, Danielle Brisebois, Nick Lashley and Nick Southwood
Performed by Keira Knightley

User Reviews

Keira can sing! Nice feel good movie about music making today

This is a feel good movie about musicians making an album. Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley play producer and song writer who team up to make a demo filmed all over the city. The songs are pleasant and the characters are sympathetic and likable even Hailee Steinfeld as Mark's daughter. There is a nice dynamic between the characters which makes the movie enjoyable to watch. There is almost as much music as a musical but it doesn't feel much like a musical.

Who knew Keira could sing so well? She doesn't have the most powerful voice but her singing is musical and right for the type of songs. Mark looks suitably scruffy for the fallen on hard times composer. Nice cameo by Ceelo Green and Adam Levine who sings quite a few songs.

Movies like this are pleasant and uplifting to watch - if you want a break from action or violence of summer blockbusters.