After missing my chance to see the highly-acclaimed film “Sing Street” during its limited release in theaters back in April, I finally watched it this past weekend after it was officially released on DVD and Blu-ray last Tuesday.

“Sing Street” is a 2016 Irish musical dramedy film written, produced, and directed by John Carney. With the lead cast filled with talented unknown actors, the film features a few familiar faces. For my fellow “Orphan Black” fans, you’ll immediately recognize Maria Doyle Kennedy who stars as the mother of Conor “Cosmo” Lalor, the film’s protagonist. Others will also recognize the father, played by Aidan Gillen, who is best known for his character on the popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.” (He also starred in last year’s “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials!”) Respectfully less familiar is Jack Reynor, who plays Conor’s brother. You might recognize him from 2014’s “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” the fourth installment of the Transformers series, which starred Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz.

With a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film truly stands out. From the director of 2014’s “Begin Again,” “Sing Street” takes us back to the 1980s, specifically to Dublin, Ireland. As a fan of ‘80s music with a love for fashion and makeup, I was immediately drawn to the trailer of the film. However, I am not familiar with films set in Ireland nor ‘80s Dublin, so I was truly excited to learn more and see a film that I think brings a new wave of nostalgia and a new musical experience for American viewers.

Yes, the film has a familiar “boy tries to impress girl” plot, but there is much more to discover in this arthouse gem. Besides the amazing music which greatly influences the charm of the film, “Sing Street” addresses modern issues which still affect teenagers and young adults alike. It deals with the struggles of family, parents constantly arguing, hiding their problems in plain sight, and the difficult separation that is forced onto the children because of their parents’ decision to separate and change their living situation. It deals with changing schools, bullying, and violence, from fellow students to the abusive school principal. It deals with young love, the emotional hardships and everything that gets in their way. It deals with teenage survival and the beautiful power of music.

Furthermore, the film shows the main protagonist gaining confidence, overcoming his insecurities, and taking the biggest risks of his life. It is raw, with a lead cast of non-professional actors having fun and living with music at the forefront. It is really them playing instruments and singing their hearts out. It is an exceptional film, which is sentimental and sincere.

And of course, the ‘80s costumes, hair, and makeup, exaggerated in the band’s music videos, and shown throughout the film, adds noteworthy flair to the overall charm and heavy musical influences of the film. The film will make you laugh, smile, sing along, dance, and pull on your heartstrings, reminding viewers of their teenage years, and the dreams we hold onto but have yet to fully pursue.

“Sing Street” teaches young viewers and adults alike, to take risks, to go on the biggest adventure of our lives, and most of all to wholeheartedly follow our dreams.

Through the power of music, we truly are all connected. “Sing Street” is a one-of-a-kind, must-see for fans of ‘80s music especially and for anyone who wants to experience “a feel-good musical” with tremendous charm and heart.

Watch the trailer here:

Listen to the "Sing Street" Soundtrack, featuring ‘80s hits and original music from the film: https://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/sing-street-orig.... Also on Spotify!