Perfect cast and a good story

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

I've played guitar for 22 years, bass for about 19 years and drums for less than three. I'm pretty good at guitar and bass and intensely average on drums but this is probably because I have only ever viewed these instruments as fun. I never intended to set out to be the best there is, was or ever will be; I play them because I enjoy it and I can express myself through the strings and sticks. In this respect, I'm in the vast majority of players. Genius doesn't think like that. Geniuses are born with that certain something and then devote themselves to an eternity of practice, rudiments, blood, sweat and tears to get to where they want to be and then improve on that. Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is one such prodigy; a gifted young jazz drummer who has won a place at the esteemed Schaffer Music School and it is here that he meets Fletcher. Imagine if R. Lee Ermey's drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket was taking tips from The Thick Of It's Malcolm Tucker in the art of personal relations and then give him sheet music and the role of band conductor. That's Fletcher, a truly hateful character but one whom you buy into completely thanks to the performance of the always majestic J.K. Simmons and the fact that despite his monstrousness, one can see what he's doing. His plan is to wring every last drop of sweat and blood out of his musicians so that they may be the next Charlie Parker. He just chooses to do so through intimidation and terrific insults. He's happy to be the bad guy if it makes the good guy great. This is where the film succeeds so completely, in the at-times unbearably tense relationship between two men who want the same thing: perfection. Whiplash doesn't get everything right. There's a love story that feels as unnecessary as it is light and I do wonder if non musicians will get the same out of this film as players will because if you're a musician (and especially if you're a drummer), this film is practically porn. Teller is clearly a gifted drummer because as far as I could tell, what you see and hear are the same; the people on screen are really playing and it's spellbinding. That said, I think it's a film that will get past any concerns about it being niche due to the ferocity of the performances. You certainly don't have to like jazz and I hope you don't have to be a musician to appreciate fully this dramatic, tense and utterly terrific film. 9/10

This is one of the greatest films of all time. Always on beat, never off tempo, and selling the art it portrays to such a unique level.The performances are great. Miles Teller stands out a bit but ultimately is overshadowed by the incredible J.K. Simmons. This goes down as one of the greatest supporting acts in history. You'd be scared of Terrance Fletcher from the moment you saw him, and there's never a beat when you're not.The story is unpredictable, with a masterfully crafted ending. Damien Chazelle might be a genius. The writing embraces Jazz and becomes a part of it.The direction is one of the best directions I have ever seen. From the very first sequence, we're pulled in and never pushed out. We're in for a ride that'll make us gasp, cry, and cheer.The music is an essential component of this film and it shines quite well. As a jazz trumpeter in high school, this music brings me back and lets me feel alive again. Thank you Justin Hurwitz.Whiplash is a unique experience everyone should see. 10/10.

Phenomenal performances from J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller, compelling and intense plot, and overall a great movie.

It's really great. Brilliant editing and acting and the direction is excellent. It's really good. I recently rewatched it since I first saw it when it came out. I recommend this for anyone who has good taste in films.