2016 Irish comedy-drama-romantic-musical - all in one, about the most important problem in the world. I'll give no spoiler, as every one knows that it is: how to impress girls, and maybe the reason for the Rock music bands to exist.

The name of the movie is from a school in Dublin, also used as the shooting location: "Synge Street CBS". Originally the school was part of the Christian Brothers monastery, as part of a mid-nineteenth century programme to expand the provision of Catholic schooling across the city, particularly for poorer boys.

Lots of references to the 1980's New Wave pop music and culture. The film is a semi-autobiographical depiction of Carney's upbringing in Dublin.

In 2019 it was adapted to a Broadway musical.

Cast

None of the teen boys cast to act in the Sing Street band had any prior acting experience. John Carney hired Mark McKenna because he just wanted to play music, not act in the movie.

John Carney

The director is an Irish film director, producer, screenwriter and lyricist who specialises in musical drama films. He's well known for his first feature film "Once" in 2007, shown few years ago by Aurofilm: a small budget films which was a commercial and critical hit. Sing Street is his 3rd movie.

The movie is partly autobiographic: he was bass player in a rock band in the 90s called "The Frames", and then made many music videos.

About the historical setup: in the 80s, Ireland and was economically quite a backwards country. John Carey mentions that the 80s in Ireland were a period of freedom a bit like the 60s in the rest of the world, as the church had until then quite a big grip on Ireland.

A film about music, how to find yourself, about brotherhood, with lots of good energy... Let's rock and roll!