Passion, determination, and a hardened instructor drives an aspiring young musician to perfection in Damien Chazelle’s Oscar nominated film, “Whiplash” which combines some of the best aspects of film, acting, and music to create an unforgettable experience.

Starring Miles Teller as Andrew Nieman, a young college student at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory in New York City. Andrews constant desire to be one of the greatest drummers in the world and history pushes him to do better and better, but when he is accepted into a prestigious band, the best in his school actually, things finally seem to be going in the right direction for this young artist.

That is, until he realizes how his teacher, Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), conducts his band. Fletcher uses fear, power, and personal experiences to break down his students in an attempt to motivate them to do better, and better, and better. Mentally breaking and overbearing Andrew throughout the course of the film.

Determination and desire are strong themes present throughout the film. The audience is along with Andrew for his journey from practicing in his college dorm to playing on stage in front of large crowds of New Yorkers and everything in between. It really is quite a journey.

Music, obviously, is a big aspect of the film. After all, how would a movie about musicians and jazz bands be complete without a great score? Justin Hurwitz’s did a great job composing the music and watching the band and Miles Teller perform was breathtaking.

Speaking of performances, Miles Teller’s and J.K. Simmons’s were absolutely amazing. The amount of passion and emotion put into both performances were some of the most captivating that this reporter has ever seen. J.K. Simmons won the Golden Globe for “Best Supporting Actor-Motion Picture” and is up for an Oscar for “Best Actor in a Supporting Role”.

To be honest, “Whiplash” is one of those films you go in unsure about. When it first released it wasn’t very well known and was not as popular as other films such as “American Sniper” or even “Birdman”. However, “Whiplash” is engaging, exciting, captivating, and has some of the best acting performances of the year.

See what “Whiplash” could win at The Oscars this Sunday, February 22.