Sing Street

Living in inner-city south Dublin in 1985, Conor Lalor's dad Robert{{cite web | url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/movie-reviews/2016/0218/768643-sing-street/ | title=Sing Street | website=RTÉ.ie | date=18 February 2016 }} struggles with his architecture practice and his marriage, and drinks and smokes to excess. At a family meeting, he announces he is taking the youngest son Conor out of his expensive school and moving him to a Christian Brothers one, Synge Street CBS, which Robert asserts is of equally high repute. Conor's older brother Brendan ribs him about the change as well as about the state of the family unit.

Conor appears in his new uniform but without the regulation black shoes. School principal Br. Baxter chastises him despite Conor's pleas of being unable to afford new shoes. To avoid going shoeless, Conor paints his shoes black.

An encounter with the school bully Barry introduces Conor to Darren, an ally and budding entrepreneur. When Conor recruits aspiring model Raphina for a music video, Darren agrees to manage his band and introduces him to multi-instrumentalist Eamon.

The band practices in Eamon's living room, playing covers until Brendan encourages him to develop the band's own style. Conor writes original songs with Eamon, describing themselves as "futurists". The band films their first music video wearing comical costumes; Raphina acts as ingénue and makeup artist. Conor goes into school the next day wearing make up, and Brother Baxter forcibly removes it.

Raphina gives Conor his nickname "Cosmo", which she says is more in keeping with his new band's image. After spending the day filming a music video for a new song, Conor and Raphina kiss. He also stands up to his bully, Barry by pointing out the insignificance of both their lives, which greatly upsets Barry.

Robert and Penny's marriage falls apart while Raphina and Conor's relationship blossoms. Conor takes Raphina out to Dalkey Island in his granddad's motor cruiser. Here, they view the car ferry leaving Dún Laoghaire for the UK and discuss Raphina's dream of leaving Ireland for London.

Conor, Raphina and the band prepare to film a Back to the Future-inspired music video for their new song, but Conor is disheartened when Raphina fails to show up. She reveals that she was set to leave for London with her older boyfriend, but he abandoned her.

Hurt by her lack of disclosure and offended by her nonchalance, Conor breaks off ties with Raphina. Because of this, and his family's problems, Conor finds difficulty in writing or playing music. But Brendan urges Conor to continue so he can make a better future for himself.

Penny and Robert announce to the family that they are getting legally separated and selling the house. Penny plans on moving in with her affair and boss, Tony, whilst Robert plans on getting a small apartment. They will share custody. An opportunity arises for the band to play live at an end-of-year party at school. Conor strikes up a friendship with Barry, offering him the chance to be the band's roadie and escape his abusive family.

Conor prepares a new song mocking Baxter, which the band performs as an encore while distributing homemade masks of Baxter's face. Raphina arrives before the band finishes and reconciles with Conor. Both of them leave the party and the school in uproar.

After secretly saying goodbye to his family later that night, Conor and Raphina persuade Brendan to drive them to Dalkey, so they can escape in the motor cruiser and head to London. At the harbour, Brendan and Conor embrace. Conor and Raphina sail out to sea, following the ferry across the rough Irish Sea to a new life in London. Brendan watches them disappear into the distance and cheers, overjoyed that his younger brother has left to go on to greater things.

{{Cast listing|

• Lucy Boynton as Raphina
• Maria Doyle Kennedy as Penny
• Aidan Gillen as Robert
• Jack Reynor as Brendan
• Kelly Thornton as Ann
• Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor
• Ben Carolan as Darren
• Mark McKenna as Eamon
• Percy Chamburuka as Ngig
• Conor Hamilton as Larry
• Karl Rice as Garry
• Ian Kenny as Barry
• Don Wycherley as Brother Baxter
• Lydia McGuinness as Miss Dunne

}}

In February 2014, it was announced that John Carney would be directing the film, from a screenplay he wrote about a boy starting a band in order to impress a girl. Carney would produce through his Distressed Films banner, along with Anthony Bregman through his Likely Story Banner, Kevin Frakes for PalmStar Media, and Raj Brinder Singh for Merced Media Partners, with Paul Trijbits and Christian Grass for FilmWave.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/berlin-bono-the-edge-on-board-for-john-carneys-sing-street-1201089781/|title=Berlin: Bono, The Edge on Board for John Carney's 'Sing Street'|work=Variety|first=Dave|last=McNary|date=6 February 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}} The film is a semi-autobiographical depiction of Carney's upbringing in Dublin.{{cite news|url=http://www.hitfix.com/news/once-director-reteaming-with-u2-on-new-movie/|title='Once' director reteaming with U2 on new movie|work=HitFix|access-date=19 January 2016}}

File:Sing Street cast at Dublin International Film Festival.jpg. Left to right: Percy Chamburuka, Mark McKenna, Kelly Thornton, Ben Carolan, Ian Kenny, Conor Hamilton.]]

In a July 2014 interview, Carney announced he would be casting unknown actors in the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4287324&tpl=archnews&force=1|title=John Carney Will Cast Unknown Actors in 'Sing Street'|publisher=Iftn.ie|first=Deirdre|last=Molumby|date=1 July 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/120042-interview-once-director-john-carney-begins-again|title=Interview: Once Director John Carney Begins Again|publisher=Comingsoon.net|first=Edward|last=Douglas|date=1 July 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}} The unknown actors turned out to be Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Ben Carolan, Mark McKenna, Percy Chamburuka, Conor Hamilton, Karl Rice, and Ian Kenny.{{cite web|url=http://www.twcpublicity.com/downloads/production/sing_street_production_notes.pdf|title=Sing Street Production Notes|publisher=TWCPublicity.com|access-date=19 January 2016}} In September 2014, it was announced that Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor had joined the cast of the film, portraying the role of Conor's father, mother and brother respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/movie-news/lovehates-aiden-gillen-will-join-jack-reynor-for-john-carneys-new-film-sing-street-30587576.html|title=Love/Hate's Aiden Gillen will join Jack Reynor for John Carney's new film Sing Street|publisher=Independent.ie|first=Laura|last=Butler|date=17 September 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4287539&tpl=archnews&force=1|title=Aiden Gillen Joins Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor in John Carney's Sing Street'.|publisher=Iftn.ie|first=Sean|last=Brosnan|date=17 September 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}}

Principal photography on the film began in September 2014 in Dublin and concluded on 25 October 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-102714-russell-crowe-ryan-gosling-start-shooting-the-nice-guys-kate-beckinsale-wraps-the-disappointments-room/|title=On the Set for 10/27/14: Russell Crowe & Ryan Gosling Start Shooting 'The Nice Guys', Kate Beckinsale Wraps 'The Disappointments Room'|publisher=SsnInsider.com|author=SSNInsider Staff|date=27 October 2014|access-date=19 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126182645/http://www.ssninsider.com/on-the-set-for-102714-russell-crowe-ryan-gosling-start-shooting-the-nice-guys-kate-beckinsale-wraps-the-disappointments-room/|archive-date=26 January 2016|df=dmy-all}} Its namesake school, Synge Street CBS, was among the shooting locations for the film.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2014/1023/654426-sing-street/|title=Look! Photos from Sing Street set in Dublin|date=23 October 2014|publisher=RTÉ TEN|access-date=19 January 2016}}

Much of the original music by the band "Sing Street" was composed by Danny Wilson frontman Gary Clark,{{cite web|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2016/03/17/sing-street-soundtrack-details/|title='Sing Street' Soundtrack Details - Film Music Reporter}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/sing-street-sundance-review-859188|title='Sing Street': Sundance Review|website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=25 January 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.lgukpublicity.co.uk/uk/images/Prodnotes/SING_STREET_PRODUCTION_NOTES_UK_FINAL.pdf|title=Lionsgate Films UK | Leading Film & TV Production and Distribution}} with Carney, Ken and Carl Papenfus of the band Relish,{{cite news|url=http://www.headstuff.org/2016/04/sing-street-review/|title=How the 80s Pop Sound of Sing Street Continues John Carney's Musical Voyage - HeadStuff|newspaper=Headstuff |date=13 April 2016}} Graham Henderson and Zamo Riffman also receiving writing credits.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/sing-street-mn0003506582|title=Sing Street|publisher=AllMusic.com|access-date=31 May 2016}} Adam Levine co-wrote (with Carney and Glen Hansard) and sings on the track "Go Now".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/08/adam-levine-go-now-sing-street|title=Hear new Adam Levine song 'Go Now' from Sing Street|last=Nolfi|first=Joey|date=8 April 2016|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=12 May 2016}}

The film also features music of the period from The Cure, a-ha, Duran Duran, The Clash, Hall & Oates, Spandau Ballet, The Blades and The Jam.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYk2Vx1z6lk|title=Sing Street Official Trailer #1 (2016) - Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy Movie HD|date=16 January 2016 |publisher=Rotten Tomatoes Trailers|access-date=16 January 2016}}

{{Main|Sing Street (soundtrack)}}

The soundtrack album was released by Decca Records on 11 March 2016.{{cite news|url=http://filmmusicreporter.com/2016/03/17/sing-street-soundtrack-details/|title='Sing Street' Soundtrack Details|date=17 March 2016|publisher=filmmusicreporter.com|access-date=27 March 2016}}

In February 2014, it was announced that FilmNation Entertainment had been selected to sell international rights to the film.{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/berlin-john-carneys-sing-street-with-u2s-bono-and-the-edge-to-be-sold-offshore-by-filmnation-678261/|title=Berlin: John Carney's 'Sing Street' With U2's Bono And The Edge To Be Sold Offshore By FilmNation|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|date=6 February 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}} In May 2014, it was announced The Weinstein Company had acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film, for $3 million.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/cannes-weinstein-co-picks-up-john-carneys-sing-street-1201184314/|title=CANNES: Weinstein Co. Picks Up John Carney's 'Sing Street'|work=Variety|first=Ramin|last=Seetoodeh|date=17 May 2014|access-date=19 January 2016}}

The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 24 January 2016. The film screened at the Dublin Film Festival on 18 February 2016,{{cite web|url=http://www.screendaily.com/news/sing-street-to-open-dublin-film-festival/5098160.article|title='Sing Street' to open Dublin film festival|publisher=ScreenDaily.com|first=Adam|last=Chapman|date=17 December 2015|access-date=19 January 2016}} and at South by Southwest on 11 March 2016.{{cite web|url=http://schedule.sxsw.com/2016/events/event_FS19884|title=SXSW schedule Sing Street|publisher=South by Southwest|access-date=6 May 2016}} The film was released in Ireland on 17 March,{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2016/0125/762879-rave-reviews-for-john-sing-street/|title=Rave reviews for Carney's Sing Street at Sundance|date=25 January 2016|work=RTÉ.ie}} and in the United Kingdom on 20 May 2016. It was released in the United States on 15 April 2016.

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on 8 August 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sing-Street-DVD-Ferdia-Walsh-Peelo/dp/B01EJZHMNO|title=Sing Street [DVD] [2016] |publisher=Amazon|access-date=1 August 2016}}

Sing Street grossed $13.6 million.

In the United States, the film made $63,573 from five theatres in its opening weekend, an average of $13,796 per venue.{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/berlin-john-carneys-sing-street-with-u2s-bono-and-the-edge-to-be-sold-offshore-by-filmnation-678261/|title=A24's 'Green Room' Thrills; Tribeca Opener 'First Monday In May' Bows Slow: Specialty Box Office|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|first=Brian|last=Brooks Jr|date=17 April 2016|access-date=1 February 2018}}

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating of 95% based on 214 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Sing Street is a feel-good musical with huge heart and irresistible optimism, and its charming cast and hummable tunes help to elevate its familiar plotting."{{cite web | url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sing_street/ | title=Sing Street (2016) | work=Rotten Tomatoes | publisher=Fandango Media | access-date=23 April 2021}} On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 based on 38 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/sing-street | title=Sing Street Reviews | work=Metacritic | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=1 February 2018}} Audiences polled by PostTrak gave the film a 96% overall positive score and an 85% "definite recommend".

Guy Lodge of Variety.com gave the film a positive review, writing "Perched on a tricky precipice between chippy kitchen-sink realism and lush wish-fulfilment fantasy, this mini-Commitments gets away with even its cutesiest indulgences thanks to a wholly lovable ensemble of young Irish talent and the tightest pop tunes—riffing on Duran Duran and the Cure with equal abandon and affection—any gaggle of Catholic schoolboys could hope to write themselves. Given the right marketing and word of mouth, this Weinstein Co. release could Sing a song of far more than sixpence."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/reviews/sing-street-review-1201687683/|title=Sundance Film Review: 'Sing Street'|work=Variety|first=Guy|last=Lodge|date=25 January 2016|access-date=31 January 2016}}

In The Observer, Mark Kermode gave the film four out of five stars, writing: "When it comes to capturing the strange, romantic magic of making music, few modern film-makers are more on the money than John Carney." He added, "The bittersweet, 'happy sad' drama that follows has drawn inevitable, if misguided, comparisons with The Commitments, yet tonally this is closer to the teen spirit of Todd Graff's 2009 film Bandslam...or even Richard Linklater’s sublime School of Rock. As Carney has proved previously, he knows how to straddle the line between the sound in the room and the sound in your head – a sequence that segues from bedroom composition to living room rehearsal (with tea and biscuits) to full studio production perfectly negotiates the space between kitchen-sink realism and musical fantasy in which this lovely, lyrical movie casts its spell". Kermode concluded by saying, "Happy sad indeed. I laughed, I cried, I bought the soundtrack album."{{cite news |last= Kermode |first= Mark | author-link= Mark Kermode |title= Sing Street review – pop goes the playground |url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/22/sing-street-review-schoolboys-pop-band| date= 22 May 2016|newspaper= The Observer |location=London| access-date=18 December 2016 }}

{{Main|Sing Street (musical)}}

Sing Street, like Carney's film Once, was adapted for stage as a musical, also called Sing Street. The screenplay was adapted by Enda Walsh (who also wrote the book for the musical Once) and the production was directed by Rebecca Taichman. The show premiered at New York Theatre Workshop on 16 December 2019 after extensive workshops.{{cite web |last1=Clement |first1=Olivia |title=World Premiere of Sing Street Extends at New York Theatre Workshop |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/world-premiere-of-sing-street-extends-at-new-york-theatre-workshop |website=Playbill |date=13 November 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019}} The musical was set to premiere at the Lyceum Theatre in previews on 26 March 2020 and officially on 19 April.{{cite magazine|last1=Lee Lenker|first1=Maureen|title=Sing Street to transfer to Broadway this spring|url=https://ew.com/theater/2020/01/08/sing-street-musical-transfering-to-broadway/|date=8 January 2020|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=9 January 2020}} but it suspended its production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, a cast recording featuring the original Broadway cast was released on 22 April 2020.{{cite web|title= New Musical Sing Street Postpones Broadway Run|date=4 August 2020|author= Broadway.com Staff|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/198794/new-musical-sing-street-postpones-broadway-run|access-date=12 September 2020}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb title}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170517024849/http://twcguilds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/SING_STREET_Script_wCover_R1.pdf Official screenplay]

{{John Carney}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sing Street}}

Category:2016 films

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