What’s more important - the songs or the sadness? High Fidelity was directed by Stephen Frears and adapted by D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack and Scott Rosenberg from Nick Hornby's novel. The film stars Cusack, Jack Black, Iben Hjejle and Todd Louiso. Howard Shore composed the music, and Seamus McGarvey was in charge of cinematography. Record store owner Rob Gordon (Cusack), who is always making lists, starts questioning everything when his girlfriend leaves him. Cusack and Pink took Hornby's popular novel and moved it to Chicago, which worked out really well. High Fidelity explores love and a passion for music; it’s like a battle of the sexes set to a soundtrack of male experiences. Rob’s journey to figure things out is very funny, and the problems he has in relationships lead to scenes and situations that feel real, making you laugh, feel something, and think. Aside from the romantic disappointments, the music elements are what really connect with you. Rob and his coworkers Barry (Black) & Dick (Louiso) are obsessed with music and constantly make top 5 lists while playfully arguing. All three actors do a great job; they’re an odd group who play off each other in a way that's contagious, although it’s definitely Cusack’s film. Rob, who often talks directly to the audience, gets sympathy, pity, and laughter all at once. The supporting cast is full of talented people who get the humor, with appearances from Catherine Zeta-Jones (who uses strong language casually), Lisa Bonet & Joelle Carter, and Joan Cusack’s comedic skills. Hjejle also gives a clever and feminine performance as the girlfriend who sets Rob on his quest for meaning. And seeing Tim Robbins as a new age hippie—who also happens to be a martial arts expert—is genuinely funny and reminds you how good of a comic actor he can be. Like Grosse Point Blank, another Cusack/Pink production, the music is key, and naturally, given where the story takes place, there are plenty of classic songs to enjoy. Overall it's a special movie for everyone, regardless of gender or musical taste, but especially for those who have gone through relationship difficulties. So, what came first, the music or the misery? It’s brilliant. 9/10

Source on TMDB