Whiplash (2014)

This is a tale about an aspiring drummer (Miles Teller) who manages to secure a position in a prestigious music college jazz band after being spotted playing by the conductor (J.K Simmons). At first, the conductor of the band encourages him and treats him more gently than with other members of the band when mistakes are made, but after continuously failing to keep the tempo of the track, the conductor explodes and verbally abuses the nervous drummer. From this point onwards, the tension continues to increase in their relationship to the point of hilarity for the viewer and the drummer gets fired from his position in the band. The drummer retaliates by filing a complaint against the conductor, who in turn gets fired from HIS job. The two meet again towards the end, and the drummer plays onstage with his ex-conductor for another time, and despite the fact the conductor tries to sabotage his previous student's performance, the drummer comes out on top with a rip-roaring drum solo. J.K Simmons' acting in particular is a perfect balance of grit and humour, providing a character which is impossible to hate. This film is full of witty swearing, tension and inspiration to other musicians who feel that they should give up, and the viewer walks away with the feel-good factor secure in their hearts.