10 Years of La La Land

With new releases flooding theaters over the last few months, one movie has cut deep into nostalgic territory. Beginning August 16^th, AMC and Dolby Cinemas partnered to release a limited-edition 10^th anniversary screening, gaining huge success in box offices. La La Land was the top-grossing Oscar movie of 2016 (the year of its initial release) with a total revenue of $340.5 million worldwide according to Forbes. Now, as movie theaters across the nation struggle to fill seats, many are left wondering how this 10-year-old film still resonates with moviegoers.

Set in Hollywood, La La Land follows the life of a young jazz musician (Gosling) and an aspiring actor (Stone) chasing after their own dreams—and each other. The two discover how much they must sacrifice to continue their individual pursuits and support one another, ultimately leading to the famous open-ended “what if” conclusion.

Among younger audiences, social media has played a major role in boosting the popularity of La La Land. The musical has recently gone viral with global fans, particularly for its bold color palettes and catchy soundtrack seen in cinematic edits and piano covers.

“As Mia and Sebastian grow closer, the colors they wear become more compatible,” said Junior Amy Zhang. “When they’re more distant, the colors contrast.”

Analysis videos and commentaries praise Damien Chazelle for his award-winning directing skills which brought the film’s artistry and score together. However, critics argue that without such effects, the plot and chemistry of the couple seem less impressive.

According to fans, La La Land has already been widely celebrated and conversation-evoking across streaming platforms, further begging the question: why did cinema companies bring it back to the big screen?

“I would appreciate seeing older movies being brought back to theaters, so I think any rescreening is worth it including La La Land,” said percussion teacher Mr. Hill.

Still, not all rescreenings guarantee high ticket sale rates. Seasonal or anniversary film screenings aren’t a new concept in local theaters, with Cinemark Classics and AMC’s Fan Faves releases that retell timeless stories. Yet La La Land touches on the reality of balancing a dream career and a serious relationship, continuing to resonate with audiences today.

So, whether you’ve seen the full two-hour film or a five-second clip on Reels, the legacy of La La Land undoubtedly lives on.