Begin Again, written and directed by John Carney, is a hard film to describe in only a sentence. To label it a comedy would take away from its depth, but to call it heartwarming leaves you with the impression of overemotional acting.

Begin Again is a sad yet sweet, heartbreaking yet inspiring, soul stirring and emotionally fulfilling film about music and the binding power it possesses.

Originally released in Canada at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, Begin Again made its way to the big screen in June 2014. The film offers an enjoyable cast, starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo and including Adam Levine, Hailee Steinfield, James Corden and Cee Lo Green.

Gretta, played by Knightley, moves to New York with boyfriend David, played by Levine, but quickly gets left behind as he moves forward in his music career.

Heartbroken and ready to leave the city, Gretta spends what she believes to be one last night out, where she plays an original song on guitar for a small crowd. It’s here that she meets Dan Mulligan, played by Ruffalo, a down-on-his-luck record label executive; he sees potential in her, and offers her a chance to record her and turn her into a star.

Together, the pair set out to record an album unlike anything else. The music is sweet and catchy, and Knightley surprises everyone with a beautifully angelic voice featured on many of the film’s tracks.

The bonds formed between the characters seemed wonderfully authentic. Each character was extremely relatable and raw, all serving a purpose to the plot.

The film is cinematically beautiful, and offers 12 original heartwarming songs. Begin Again leaves viewers feeling oddly satisfied and fulfilled, and can relate to people from all walks of life.