Story
In La La Land, Mia (Emma Stone) is an aspiring actress working as a barista in a Hollywood café. She runs into jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) a few times, with disastrous consequences, but one day at a party they hit it off. They encourage each other to succeed in the difficult industry of show business. They dream of starting up a jazz club that Sebastian could manage and where he could play his music. In the meantime, though, he joins a rock band that becomes very successful.
Mia’s career is slower to take off. With Sebastian’s encouragement, she puts on a one-woman show, which she thinks is a flop. But a talent spotter notices her, and she’s finally offered a part in a movie. Success has a detrimental effect on Mia and Sebastian’s relationship, and things don’t work out as expected.
Themes
Show business; success and failure
Violence
La La Land has some violence. For example, Mia and Sebastian fight verbally, and Mia hits Sebastian.
Sexual references
None of concern
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
La La Land shows some use of substances. For example, characters drink at various venues.
Nudity and sexual activity
La La Land has some nudity and sexual activity. For example, Mia and Sebastian kiss and end up in bed together, but nothing is shown.
Product placement
The following products are displayed or used in La La Land: Korg Kronos keyboard, Sony and Apple products.
Coarse language
La La Land has some coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
La La Land is a romantic musical, reminiscent of old Hollywood movies but set in modern Los Angeles. It combines serious drama with lots of singing and dancing, which is quite uplifting.
The story of love gained and lost, and failure and success, is more suited to teenagers and adults, although younger children might enjoy the singing and dancing. You might be concerned about the coarse language in this movie.
The main messages in La La Land are about the stark contrast between the fantasy and reality of Hollywood. The movie also suggests that the price of fame and stardom can often be the loss of personal happiness.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include determination, resilience, support for the people you care about and perseverance as you follow your dreams. You could also talk with your children about how following your dreams often means leaving others behind.