The characters were believable and the set up unique. J.K. Simmons was amazing in in his portrayal of the relentless Terrence Fletcher.I'm not musical, but I loved this film. I believe there are many people similar to Terrence Fletcher but I've never seen these people represented on the big screen. The relationship between the two main characters is complex and ever evolving.I'm unsure if I liked the ending, though it had its good points too. It left you judging whether Terrence was good or bad. I just wish that the film had more a take-home message. As you can see my rating though, this didn't affect my enjoyment too much.

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

This movie is nothing but a breath-taking/magnificent master piece. I actually decided to belong to the jazz circle in my uni because of this movie. The most amazing thing to me is that the drummer (the hero) plays drums by himself; no CG. Even that there is the scene that the drummer bleeds from his hands and this is his real blood! What I want to say is that how devoting this actor is. I have never been bleeding from my hand practicing music. But this actor did and his drumming skills are literally breath-taking!

The film is probably best enjoyed by musicians or jazz enthusiasts. This is an acquired taste. There is no denying JK Simmons gave an Oscar-winning performance, and yes, the editing was Oscar-worthy as well. But for most parts of the film I can't say it was a pleasure watching this. I can still enjoy a bad horror B-movie, but certainly not this. I did not agree with Fletcher's teaching methods, as it was total abuse. This movie should be used as educational material for methods teachers should NOT use. It was disgusting - to say the least - how he treated and spoke to the youngsters. In fact, so much so it should be considered a crime. There was not a single moment of the film I enjoyed. On the contrary, this horrible movie is one of the most hated films I've ever seen. Why has it been voted one of the best films ever??? Note: I rated the film 1/10 not because it is a badly made movie. It's a very well made movie, but I just did not enjoy it at all, hence the low rating.