Uma Linda Vida

This is the story of a Danish fisherman turned reluctant pop star. Elliot is a hard working fisherman who was raised in the foster system and has the simple dream of fixing up his parents sailboat to sail around the world. He has a wonderful and honest boss who rightfully questions his devotion to his childhood friend Oliver. Oliver's dream is to make it big in the music industry, but unfortunately he doesn't have the talent to get him there. While helping Oliver out at his gig, Elliot gets discovered by the widow of a famous rock star. She seems to think her still grieving daughter (who is a producer) needs a pet project and Elliot is that project.

The rest as they say is history. This is a slow moving love story with some beautiful songs. I am a big fan of great lyrics and I think this film is worth watching for the final song alone (the scene too...but it was the song that had the tears running).

This is a recommendation for all the romantics out there and my review is based on watching the film in it's original Danish language with English subtitles.

Stumbling upon the Danish movie "A Beautiful Life" on OTT was a pleasant surprise. Elliot, the lead guy and a Danish singer, steals hearts with his amazing voice. Each song resonates, adding a delightful layer to the narrative. The chemistry between Elliot and Lilly is charming, bringing a sweet touch to the storyline.

While the acting by the cast is commendable, the film falls short on depth in its storytelling. It leaves you wishing for more. You can get a 'A star is born' vibe. However, it is a nice one-time watch, thanks to the captivating musical moments and the genuine charm of the lead actors.

Good songs and great voice but that's mostly it.

Can fill an evening / afternoon if you want a romcom with some music in it and you don't feel like searching.

A classical romcom with music as expected with an acceptable character synergy but a real lack of work on the story.

The movie feels quite lazy especially in terms of the main character backstory. There was potential in the central character if he was given an actually good backstory and evolution. The other character actually has more backstory but it also feels lackluster and poorly exploited. The movie just sticks to the classical trope of romantic movies with music as part of the plot.

PLUS: the music MINUS: predictable, lack of main character development.

Don't listen to the negative reviews. Very nice story about a troubled fisherman with musical talent who gets discovered instead of his friend.

In there is a deeper story of why he is troubled, the relationship he has with his record producer, the baggage they each carry. His friend is a big opportunistic jerk, but for some reason, probably because of all of the hurt and bad stuff Elliott has endured, he has a real connection with Oliver and wants to stick by him.

Acting is good, music is amazing. I find the foreign films always do it better. Reminds me of A Star is Born but the 2.0 version.

I recommend it!

The trailer is very representative of the movie. Down-on-his-luck good looking fellow had a chance at stardom (and love). The plot is both cliche and yet probably true in real life.

The first half is well-grounded but the second half feels rushed. The music is good although it never reveals the background story of each song. Acting is uneven and the movie is a reminder not to eat too much processed food as most of the actors have warts.

It is what it said on the tin. It's not trying to be Once or Sing Street and no Hemsworth brothers could sing and star in these type of romantic movie, I'll take it. A wonderful lazy Sunday movie while you're sipping tea and having biscuits.