Whether you have actually seen the movie or not, you have probably heard the name of the newest hit movie, La La Land. If you were rooting for any other film to win at the latest award show, you might have wondered why this movie has seemed to get literally all of the Golden Globe awards. Well, there is a reason for all the hype. This movie will change your life, and you need to see it. Here’s why.

La La Land is a musical-style film starring the dreamy Ryan Gosling as Sebastian and the stunning Emma Stone as Mia. As both characters struggle to fulfill their dreams and make a difference in the world of film and music, they find love and support in each other. Stone’s voice complements Gosling’s advanced piano playing as the two dance away under the stars. A story of love, music, and fun, La La Land contains characteristics of a Golden-Globe winning movie that everyone will love.

First of all, this movie is fun. Bright costume colors and brilliant cinematography grab your attention and keep you hooked by the opening song, “Another Day of Sun”. From there, the actors had my attention in the palm of their hands. Fun broadway-style music along with upbeat jazz melded perfectly with the plot. I mean, Gosling tap dancing was definitely the highlight of my Friday night. Both actors brought their A-game to the screen along with their seriously developed dancing and piano-playing skills. Stone’s hilarious antics and sharp wit kept up the push and pull between serious love and playful friendship. I guarantee you will be dancing along to the score and laughing out loud.

While some critics have attacked Gosling’s portrayal of his character Sebastian as a one-dimensional “dream boy” who, as Molly Lambert once said, “ builds up the heroine’s self-confidence, providing comfort, inspiration, and nurturing vibes without demanding anything in return. He patiently tamps down her stubbornness and temper while appreciating her quirks, helping her to become her best possible self”. Yet, characters like this exist through film, and throughout life. Being a person who comforts and appreciates someone else should be praised, silly film critics. These analysts have also pointed out that the movie lacks in diversity, especially since the film is centered around jazz.

While both main characters were white, an important subplot involved the amazingly talented John Legend. Finally, critics seem to frown upon the normal, average singing voices of nearly all musicians in the film. I quite admired the approach to the songs; the regular voices made the characters more relatable. Since they were supposed to be close to music, yet not professional singers, Gosling and Stone carried a tune without robbing the film of authenticity or distracting from the stunning lyrics and cinematography.

Ok, I have to be real, this movie made me cry. Multiple times. The love story between Mia and Sebastian is a match made in heaven, and the writers just had to throw in fight scenes. If you get emotionally attached to characters easily, bring the two-ply and that waterproof mascara, ladies. I also cried because it was so beautiful! The ending, while heartbreaking, was perfect and tragically beautiful, and this author dissolved into a puddle of tears.

I laughed, I cried and I loved. This movie is fun for all ages and all walks of life can relate to the struggle for achieving dreams and finding that special someone. Overall, just go see it. It won seven Golden Globes for a reason, people!