SING STREET

Sing Streettakes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents’ relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina, and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band’s music videos. There’s only one problem: he’s not part of a band… yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he’s promised – calling himself “Cosmo” and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Inspired by writer/director John Carney’s life and love for music, Sing Street shows us a world where music has the power to take us away from the turmoil of everyday life and transform us into something greater.

“Having formed a school band and being in a school band in the 80s gave me the idea for this film. I thought a few years ago eventually the issues would be far enough in my rear view mirror for it not to be too painful for me to look back on. I just thought the idea of a kid with all the trials and tribulations of life coming to school with a guitar on his back was a nice image.

Music really was a salvation for me at school – I wasn’t a sports guy and I wasn’t academically-minded so the band saved me from an awful lot. It gave me direction and something to do. I am a version of that kid in the film.“

John Carney for Independent.co.uk