
Nineteen year old Andrew Niemann wants to be the greatest jazz drummer in the world, in a league with Buddy Rich. This goal is despite not coming from a pedigree of greatest, musical or otherwise, with Jim, his high school teacher father, being a failed writer. Andrew is starting his first year at Shaffer Conservatory of Music, the best music school in the United States. At Shaffer, being the best means being accepted to study under Terence Fletcher and being asked to play in... (Full plot summary below)
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Nineteen year old Andrew Niemann wants to be the greatest jazz drummer in the world, in a league with Buddy Rich. This goal is despite not coming from a pedigree of greatest, musical or otherwise, with Jim, his high school teacher father, being a failed writer. Andrew is starting his first year at Shaffer Conservatory of Music, the best music school in the United States. At Shaffer, being the best means being accepted to study under Terence Fletcher and being asked to play in his studio band, which represents the school at jazz competitions. Based on their less than positive first meeting, Andrew is surprised that Fletcher asks him to join the band, albeit in the alternate drummer position which he is more than happy to do initially. Andrew quickly learns that Fletcher operates on fear and intimidation, never settling for what he considers less than the best each and every time. Being the best in Fletcher's mind does not only entail playing well, but knowing that you're playing well and if not what you're doing wrong. His modus operandi creates an atmosphere of fear and of every man or woman for him/herself within the band. Regardless, Andrew works hard to be the best. He has to figure out his life priorities and what he is willing to sacrifice to be the best. The other question becomes how much emotional abuse he will endure by Fletcher to reach that greatness, which he may believe he can only achieve with the avenues opened up by Fletcher.
Leave your thoughts about Whiplash.
| FlavorwireJason BaileyIt's a thorny, thoughtful movie that asks provocative questions and isn't cocky enough to boast of knowing the answers. |
| CineXpressFico CangianoFast-paced, intelligent and highly entertaining. [Full review in Spanish] |
| El UniversalAlejandro AlemánWhiplash is the most exciting thing that has happened to us in 2015. [Full review in Spanish] |
| Critic's NotebookMartin TsaiWriter-director Damien Chazelle, who previously co-scripted "The Last Exorcism Part II," ascribes horror characteristics to a naturalistic story masterfully so that they are effective but never intrusive or gratuitous. |
| Times (UK)Kate MuirI suggest you take a defibrillator to Whiplash, since the chances of a heart attack or spontaneous combustion during viewing are high. |
| Daily Express (UK)Allan HunterSimmons is unnervingly good as a teacher who rules by fear and the final showdown provides as gripping a climax as you will see all year. |
| Radio TimesAdam SmithA hugely entertaining, refreshingly subversive take on the well-worn "inspirational teacher" theme. |
| Sky CinemaElliott NobleCome the last beat, you'll probably be exhausted. But you'll also feel entertained, inspired and wonderfully alive. The ovation starts here. |
| TheShiznit.co.ukAli GrayNot many films can capture electricity and bottle it, but Damien Chazelle is a conductor par excellence. If the final scene doesn't move you in every sense, you're a corpse. |
| Digital SpySimon ReynoldsWhiplash is razor-sharp filmmaking about personal sacrifice and how far you're willing to go in pursuit of a dream. It's absolutely essential viewing. |