Once (2007)

 Great romantic independent film.
This is one of those small low-budget films that can stand on its own without fancy effects or scenery. It is a beautiful relationship story with a fantastic soundtrack. I especially enjoyed the scene with the vacuum--you just have to see it for yourself. The true-to-life relationship reminded me of another great indie film, Time and Tide. The two actors have phenomenal voices so if you need another reason to see this movie, the music should be it. An excellent choice for your next date! May 6, 2008

 Spoilers Below
Once is another movie that my friends got me really excited to see. (Previously, I had been told that Reign Over Me was better than a ten point scale could ever express. Big disappointment).

First off, I hate musicals. I say this never having seen an entire one. That being said, this is not the type of musical that has actors spontaneously bursting into song. Rather, it almost seems like a documentary on a songwriter.

By this, I mean that Once really gives an excellent feel of Dublin and its locals. When they are singing, it isn't because they are in a movie that is a musical; instead, it is because they're all... well... musicians. Each time a song is played, it seems extremely realistic.

Therein lies an interesting part of the movie, though. Even though the singing seems very natural, it also serves to develop the story -- not by explaining plot, but by explaining the history and feelings behind characters. This can be tough, because you're almost obligated to try to decipher the songs. As soon as I started just enjoying the music without trying to comprehend lyrics, I thought -- shoot! -- I'm missing dialogue.

The initial meeting of the guy and the girl is awesome. The actors (or musicians) truly click, and the viewer sees what could be the start of any romance in any other Hollywood flick. The not-quite-romance is a joy to watch begin. But, it never seems to get past this initial point.

If one of the movie's taglines is in regards to how often you find your soulmate, then I really wish that point had been pushed harder. While they were cool to watch with each other, I never got the sense that the guy and the girl were meant for each other. For whatever reason, in my mind, I was comparing the couple to the couple in Good Will Hunting. In that movie, I really got the sense that Will would have fought for his girl. Not in Once. Maybe with some expanded run time, this could have happened.

Oh -- I thought of a better example. Johnny Cash & June Carter in Walk the Line. The initial meeting is just as cool as the one in Once, but the viewer really sees the relationship develop into something where both Johnny and June are willing to fight for one another. In Once, honestly, I just feel like the guy and girl are wondering "what could have been," instead of pursuing being together. Maybe that was the point of the movie.

All considered, Once is definitely worth a watch. Rather than watch it again, though, I would be more likely to listen to Glen & Marketa's album (which is called The Swell Season).

Once Rating: 79 / 100
Subratings:
Acting: 6/10 -- I realize they are musicians first, actors second
Music: 9.5/10
"Feel" of the movie: 9/10 -- I really enjoyed the documentary-ish feel of the movie May 6, 2008

 Trite Mediocre Garbage
Boring, slow moving with no screen chemistry, poor acting, and miserable meaningless "music". The storyline was poor and unimaginative. Are so we so used to mediocrity in this culture, we actually believe drivel like this has value? I am afraid so. May 5, 2008

 exactly what I expected
If you like the movie, I'd suggest buying it to anyone. It's more awesome every time I watch it! May 5, 2008

 BRILLIANT!
You've read about the story so I don't need to go into that. I just watched it for the 3rd time and each time it makes me smile. And the quietly effective performance of Marketa Irglova gets better and better with each viewing. Just saw their Swell Season concert and was WOWed by the live performance. They are so worth listening to and watching. Also from the film, I went to the website of the other Irish band in the film, INTERFERENCE. Bought their Live in Dingle CD and am equally WOWed by it. These Irish lads have kept themselves a secret far too long. Also bought SET LIST cd of The Frames (and 3 of their other CDs). These guys are brilliant, too! It's the band in which Hansard is the frontman. Set List is a live recording and the audience loves them. Buy them all....you'll love them, too. Best thing to come to America in years and years! May 4, 2008

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