La La Land, the cinemascope revival of the musical, has been dancing it’s way up the charts since Dec. 9, 2016. Winning seven Golden Globes and holding the number one album spot on iTunes, the film has been a huge success.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone co-star yet again building some serious chemistry between their characters, Sebastian and Mia. Sebastian is a struggling jazz pianist who has a few comical encounters with actress, Mia, before they become a couple. Throughout the movie they support each other’s dreams while both hoping to make it themselves. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way you want them to.

The film had an element of serendipity that brought the plot to life. Choosing specific settings, like the Griffith Observatory from the classic James Dean film Rebel Without a Cause, every event felt meaningful. From Mia’s Casablanca wallpaper, to Sebastian’s 1982 Buick Riviera, everything was intentionally vintage. The movie was set against the backdrop of nostalgia, which created a longing for not only love, but time.

Sebastian’s goal throughout the film was to open his own jazz club. He had his heart set on the location the “Van Beek,” a historic, but fictional, jazz club. At the beginning of the movie we see Sebastian’s apartment scattered with old photos and memorabilia of various jazz artists. Not to give anything away, but they do end up on walls before the credits roll.

Mia’s dream is to become an actress. She works at a coffee shop on the Warner Brother’s lot in Los Angeles and goes to countless parties and auditions to try and get her big break. Sebastian helps her realize she has no interest in the mediocre shows she’s trying to land roles in, so she quits and starts to write her own one woman show.

The music is another big component to the film. A flowing melody was put behind every scene which added a classic feel to the modern love story. The soundtrack was written and composed by Justin Hurwitz, who is already nominated for best original score at the Oscars regarding this album. Ryan Gosling’s debut as a singer, “City of Stars”, is also in the running for best original song. Overall, La La land was nominated for 14 awards at the Oscars, tying the all time record.

A story about love, life, and ambition, La La Land has been inspiring viewers since it’s release. The abrupt ending of the movie baffled some, while others said it was a necessary conclusion. This left audiences everywhere with the very important question, aspiration or love?