There isn't a ton to talk about when it comes to the plot/premise of Young@Heart. It is simply a movie about a singing group of senior citizens who have made a choice to sing music that might seem a bit out of character for people their age. From rock-and-roll, to grunge, and even a little alternative rock their director isn't afraid to throw much of anything at them. The film is primarily just sitting in on their practices as they prepare for their next big show, and that is intermingled with some time getting to know the individuals of the group who will be preparing solos for the concert. If I'm perfectly honest there was a good chunk of the first half of the film where I was uncomfortable with it all. When the director brings new songs to them they don't always seem on board with it, and it can often feel like he is not making it an enjoyable experience for them. I was debating for a while whether I would ever be able to come around and like this guy. Later on, I found that there was a heart behind his tough exterior, but it's a slog for at least the first 3rd of the film.
As Young@Heart moves into its second half all of those complaints went away. We start to see the passion that these seniors have for what they are doing, and also how it has become a vital part of their lives. As they start to learn the songs their reluctance goes away and they are willing to fight in order to keep the songs in the show. Of course about halfway through is also when we have come to know many of the men and women of the group, and it's easier to be invested in seeing them succeed. I shed a few tears while watching Young@Heart, because you come to care about the people, and not all of them are able to perform in the final concert. This isn't a movie about the greatest singers in the world, and I could see someone finding their music tedious, but it's the passion they put into singing and joy that they derive from it that is the most important thing. I may not want to listen to a recording of their music, but I appreciate how music has changed their lives and can also change the lives of their audiences.
As Young@Heart moves into its second half all of those complaints went away. We start to see the passion that these seniors have for what they are doing, and also how it has become a vital part of their lives. As they start to learn the songs their reluctance goes away and they are willing to fight in order to keep the songs in the show. Of course about halfway through is also when we have come to know many of the men and women of the group, and it's easier to be invested in seeing them succeed. I shed a few tears while watching Young@Heart, because you come to care about the people, and not all of them are able to perform in the final concert. This isn't a movie about the greatest singers in the world, and I could see someone finding their music tedious, but it's the passion they put into singing and joy that they derive from it that is the most important thing. I may not want to listen to a recording of their music, but I appreciate how music has changed their lives and can also change the lives of their audiences.