La La Land has swept the nation with seven Golden Globe nominations. Winning all seven, La La Land is the first movie to break the the record for most Golden Globes won by a movie since the 1970s.

The film features Emma Stone who plays a starving actress named Mia and Ryan Gosling, a struggling jazz pianist named Sebastian. La La Land treads the delicate line between love and aspirations. However, as both Mia and Sebastian’s dreams become a reality, they lose sight of each other and their relationship begins to gradually fall apart.

“The bright colors in the film brought the city of Los Angeles to life in a way like no other,” junior Gabe Gleeson said.

Although set in modern-day Los Angeles, the 1950s are brought back to life with retro, yet realistic costumes. La La Land’s bright color scheme illustrates a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere.

Not only was La La Land nominated for best actor and actress in a musical or comedy motion picture, but it was also nominated for best director of a motion picture. Director Damien Chazelle has certainly earned that honor. Chazelle, only 31 years old, is the youngest person to win best director at the Golden Globes. However, this is not Chazelle’s first time in the spotlight. One of Chazelle’s prior films, Whiplash, was nominated for five Oscars.

Although La La Land has gained much popularity, there is still some controversy over the ending.

“The ending doesn’t really fit the happy, optimistic feel that’s present for most of the movie. I guess it resembles real life in a way. I’m torn about how to feel about it,” senior Gabriela Bogren-Munoz said.

Many people feel as though the ending is a rude awakening to an idealistic movie. Some say the bittersweet ending suggests an alternate reality: life is a series of choices, and Mia and Sebastian chose wrong.

“I interpreted the ending as more of a reflection, rather than a rude awakening,” junior Catherine Forrest said.

Regardless of the ending, La La Land shines a new light on romantic comedies. Filled with song, dance and vibrance, La La Land reminds people of the once attainable idea of the American Dream.