Whiplash (15)

MANY people can name a teacher or a mentor who inspired them to push harder to reach a goal and that is a healthy thing.

But there is a big difference between hitting your potential and striving for greatness as Whiplash proves with its exploration of single-minded obsession.

The film pits Andrew (Miles Teller) and Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) against each other in a corrosive student-teacher relationship.

Andrew is a drummer at a prestigious music academy who catches the eye of the most respected professor at the school.

Fletcher is forming an elite jazz band and the promising student has a shot if he can prove himself.

The rest of the film takes you on that intense and, at times, uncomfortable journey of blood, sweat and tears – all literal – as Andrew attempts to prove himself.

Fans of gritty prison drama Oz will know that Simmons does extreme well and his black-clad character Fletcher is up there with his best.

The cruel professor has no qualms with inflicting abuse or humiliation or pushing Andrew to his breaking point to get the end result.

He also reckons praise is good for nothing and leads to complacency.

Teller is equally good as Andrew who adds fuel to Fletcher's fire with his complete obsession and belief that he can become 'one of the greats'.

There are a few twists but essentially the big question in Whiplash is can the end justify the means? It is up to the viewer to decide for themselves.