Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

83% Tomatometer 169 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings

Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her songwriting partner/lover Dave (Adam Levine) head for New York when he lands a record deal with a major label. However, Gretta is suddenly left on her own when Dave gives in to the temptations that come with his newfound success. Things take a turn for the better for her when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record executive, discovers Gretta performing in a club. A mutually life-changing bond forms between the pair as they work together on Gretta's first album.

Watch on Peacock Stream Now

Where to Watch

Begin Again

Begin Again

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Writer-director John Carney's return to musical drama isn't quite as potent as it was with Once, but thanks to charming work from its well-matched leads, Begin Again is difficult to resist.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (169) Critics Reviews
Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (1) Cath Clarke Time Out What makes it special is that it's not another romance about finding a man. It's about finding your people, about being a bit lost in your twenties. Rated: 4/5 Jul 2, 2020 Full Review Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (2) Alissa Wilkinson Christianity Today Begin Again is the best sort of summer movie, with great performances and a solid core. It's clearly a work that comes from love shared by people who enjoyed making it, and that makes it fun for us to watch out in the audience, too. Rated: 3.5/4 Apr 13, 2016 Full Review Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (3) Evan Williams The Australian I've seen happier endings in Oklahoma! and Singin' in the Rain, but this one feels genuine - and in an unexpected way, deeply satisfying. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 11, 2014 Full Review Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (4) JD Duran InSession Film The film explores how other options could've come into play, but you still have to deal with it and you don't have to stay stuck in the heartache. The exploration of that theme is fascinating and handled really well here. Rated: A Aug 19, 2024 Full Review Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (5) Fausto Fernandez Fotogramas A variation of A Star is Born... But an optimist, kind, luminous and magical [take] led by a marvelous, sentimental humanist fable about second chances. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 4/5 Jun 27, 2022 Full Review Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (6) Danielle Solzman Solzy at the Movies In a perfect world, Begin Again would have been up for Best Picture and more. Aug 17, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+) audience reviews

Sasha L Begin Again is a heartwarming and uplifting film that beautifully captures the transformative power of music and human connection. Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo deliver captivating performances, portraying two lost souls who find solace and creativity in each other during their lowest points. The film’s simplicity is its strength—telling a heartfelt story of redemption, second chances, and the magic of collaboration without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental.The soundtrack is a standout, with Knightley's surprising musical talent shining through in beautifully written songs that stay with you long after the credits roll. The music feels authentic, and the rawness of the street performances throughout New York City adds a unique and intimate charm to the film.Director John Carney does an excellent job balancing humor, emotion, and inspiration, making Begin Again both a feel-good movie and a poignant exploration of life's ups and downs. It’s a perfect pick for anyone who loves music, second chances, or just a well-told story about finding hope in unexpected places. Rated 5/5 Stars • Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/19/24 Full Review Daniel G Just one of those somewhat conventional movies about the music business and breakthrough artists and broken hearts that just hit the right tone for us, with lovely songs, competent protagonists and great dynamics - with a touch of past/present in the beginning that didn't overstay its welcome. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/04/24 Full Review Ravenswood R It is really frightening that so many people like this movie or the music contained within. I am a medium level musician, no big talent, and I can prove to anyone at any time that I can write songs exactly like the ones in this movie 10 times a day with no effort whatsoever. It is completely formulaic, idiotic lyrics, three chord commercial garbage. The story is absurd, the dialogue is inane. This movie is so dumbed down and reading comments here is making me realize that as dumb as I am I must be way smarter than I think. This movie is entirely idiotic on every level. People, I am so sorry but if you find this to be quality entertainment, you are a blockhead. But you're probably happy. NYC on location shooting gives it an extra half star. Rated 1.5/5 Stars • Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 05/31/24 Full Review KB B This was such an exceptional movie with great acting and storyline. Mark Ruffalo was excellent as usual. The ending was such a nice twist. It's definitely worth the watch. Rated 4.5/5 Stars • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/10/24 Full Review Conrad C A good movie with a spectacular soundtrack, "Begin Again" commits to original music and authentic performances. This movie is unafraid to tell this story in the way it wants, drawing out certain scenes and performances longer than necessary, but if you're engrossed than you don't mind. In a movie with a lot of music, I would not have objected to hearing even more of Keira Knightley. Rated 4/5 Stars • Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/14/24 Full Review R. P It's just a collection of clichés. Rated 2/5 Stars • Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Begin Again

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

John Carney Director Keira Knightley Gretta Mark Ruffalo Dan Hailee Steinfeld Violet Adam Levine Dave Catherine Keener Miriam
Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

More Like This

View All Best Movies to Stream at Home

Liberty Heights 86% 76% Liberty Heights Seeking a Friend for the End of the World 55% 53% Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Take Me Home Tonight 28% 42% Take Me Home Tonight Laggies 65% 50% Laggies Greenberg 77% 42% Greenberg Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Related Movie News

View All Related Movie News
Mark Ruffalo’s Best-Reviewed Movies Best-Reviewed Movies Produced by Judd Apatow

Photos

View All Begin Again photos

Begin Again

Begin Again (2013) Begin Again (2013) Begin Again (2013) View more photos

Synopsis Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her songwriting partner/lover Dave (Adam Levine) head for New York when he lands a record deal with a major label. However, Gretta is suddenly left on her own when Dave gives in to the temptations that come with his newfound success. Things take a turn for the better for her when Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record executive, discovers Gretta performing in a club. A mutually life-changing bond forms between the pair as they work together on Gretta's first album.

Director
John Carney

Producer
Tobin Armbrust, Anthony Bregman, Judd Apatow

Screenwriter
John Carney

Distributor
Weinstein Co.

Production Co
Apatow Productions, Exclusive Media, Sycamore Pictures, Likely Story

Rating
R (Language)

Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance, Music

Original Language
English

Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 2, 2014, Wide

Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 17, 2014

Box Office (Gross USA)
$16.2M

Runtime
1h 44m
Most Popular at Home Now
Begin Again (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 5903

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.