You’re only as strong as your next move.|Sep. 07, 2013|United States|104 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;Music;Romance
Description: Formerly successful record label executive Dan Mulligan lives in NYC, estranged from his wife Miriam and struggling to adapt to the evolving music industry. After losing his job, he drowns his sorrows in alcohol and stumbles into a bar in the Lower East Side. There, he meets Gretta James, a fiercely independent songwriter who has recently ended her long-term relationship with Dave Kohl, her songwriting partner and now successful musician, after he cheated with a production assistant.
Dan is captivated by Gretta’s music and offers to sign her to his former record label. Although hesitant at first, she eventually agrees. However, when they meet with Saul, Dan’s business partner and co-founder of the label, he dismisses Gretta’s potential. Undeterred, Dan proposes they produce their own album independently, recording it live at various public locations throughout the summer.
They assemble a talented team of musicians, including Steve, a busker and Gretta’s old friend. Dan and Gretta grow closer both personally and professionally, and she takes Dan’s teenage daughter Violet, an aspiring guitarist, under her wing, encouraging her to contribute to the album.
When Gretta sees Dave accepting an award on television, she accuses him of compromising his artistry for commercial success. With Steve’s support, she channels her frustration into a song and leaves it on Dave’s voicemail. Feeling remorseful, Dave returns to New York to promote his new album and reaches out to Gretta. After some thought, she agrees to meet him, and they critique each other’s work.
Cast director: John Carney
Cast actor: Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley, Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfeld, Catherine Keener, James Corden, Yasiin Bey, Aya Cash, Maddie Corman, Karen Pittman
Original name: Begin Again