High Strung

High Strung is a vibrant, uplifting and music-filled 2016 movie directed by Michael Damian, showcasing a rapidly-paced meet-cute story between characters whose divergence in worlds musically and culturally contorts an intriguing plot. This film brings together two parallel worlds in a tumultuous yet artistic synergy: classic ballet, personified by Ruby, played by Keenan Kampa, and pulsating street music, characterized by Johnnie, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine.

Ruby, a beautiful and gifted classical ballet dancer from the Midwest lands a scholarship at the distinguished Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts, where her prim and proper world is set for a drastic twist. Conversely, Johnnie is a British musician who plays the violin by day and DJ by night. The confrontation of differing perspectives, from the music styles to social standards, shapes the central dynamic of the movie. They cross paths when Ruby is helping her violinist roommate practice and spots Johnnie playing his own violin across the street.

Ruby, enchanted by the unpredictable rawness and expressive creativity of Johnnie's music, decides to bring him into her scholarly world, exposing him to ballet's rigor and curated elegance. Similarly, Johnnie reveals the raw, energetic, and vibrant beauty in his world of hip-hop and underground music. The backdrop of the Manhattan skyline winds together the narrative, providing a picturesque setting for these polar opposite worlds to effectively collide and impart a distinctive visual appeal.

From a supporting cast perspective, the movie introduces an energetic ensemble of dancers, musicians, and artists, providing depth in plenitude. Sonoya Mizuno excellently plays Jazzy, a bubbly roommate of Ruby's, whose compelling acting offers light snippets of humor, thus adding a considerable amount of personality to the film. The diverse supporting cast further expands the movie's appeal, featuring a mix of contemporary and classical ballet dancers, hip-hop artists, and musicians.

The screenplay authored by Janeen Damian and Michael Damian is a picturesque take on contrasting worlds, a testament to the connecting power of the arts. The storytelling draws heavily from themes of passion, perseverance, and love. It imaginatively blends classical and contemporary music genres, emphasizing the movie's emotional rapport enabling audiences to grasp the narrative more fervidly through sound and movement rather than dialogue.

High Strung takes viewers on a journey filled with captivating dance sequences set across New York's cityscape, allowing the audience to revel in vicarious artistic delight. The unabridged musical scope encompasses classical and contemporary dances, while the emotive climax leans towards a dance competition involving the combining of the two styles.

This movie also pays substantial attention to character development. Ruby's character is slated from being an outsider to resolution, presenting a healthy narrative surrounding strong women. The development of Johnnie's character, however, is a road less traveled, starting with him as a subway musician, to his struggles and breakthroughs, leading to his ultimate transformation. The romantic tension brewing between the duo provides an additional layer of engagement, highlighting the power of love and collaboration in the face of adversity.

The movie stays deeply rooted in the arts from beginning to end, relying on New York City's artistic atmosphere and the astounding aspect of creative relationship between musicians and dancers. The film is a pleasantly colorful journey of music, dance, and shared dreams that offer a perfect farewell to the mundane, despite a few predictable plot points.

While High Strung could appeal to a variety of viewers, it is particularly satisfying to dance and music enthusiasts, as much of its magic emanates from contrasting melodies and beats, gracefully interwoven with different dance styles. Michael Damian's direction and Dave Scott's edgy choreography cater to the audiences' admiration and appreciation of different art forms.

In a nutshell, High Strung exemplifies the synthesis of two distinct music genres and dance styles, underlined by love, determination, and the common passion for the performing arts. It's a warm and emotionally charged film that celebrates the artistic spirit in all its fervor and splendor. Through an engaging fusion of dance and music, the movie exhibits an exhilarating portrayal of the power, versatility, and beauty of artistic collaboration.