Once (2007)

 Excellent!
The music C.D. is on my 'must have' list and well deserving of 'Oscar'. Though the musicians are the first to admit they weren't seasoned actors when taking on the characters of the film, they played the parts superbly. The story is 'soulfully simple' in its plot and there's not really any exceptional dialogue, but the heart of the lyrical tale is what makes you fall in love with the characters and their music. I loved it! I'll also be playing the grooves off the C.D. I also love any movie that helps draw a younger generation back to the magic of a musical.

Chrissy K. McVay
Author of 'Souls of the North Wind' May 16, 2008

 Stunning, beautiful, music that grabs your ears and won't let go
When I originally purchased this film, I based my decision on looking at the customer reviews; that's how I purchase almost any film nowadays (or anything else, really). However, I wasn't truly impressed with the movie, at least from previews, and thought it to be just another love story; it just happened to be well-written.

The opening sequence, for lack of a better way of putting it, opened my eyes. I'd watched several musicals in past, and wasn't particularly interested in another, but Once came highly recommended, and the first song in the film proved why. I was simply awestruck by how powerfully moving all of the music was of the entire movie, and immediately purchased the soundtrack as soon as I could find it. I now have owned the movie and soundtrack for three months, and can't stop listening at least once a week.

Glen Hansard has one of the most haunting voices I've known, and after having heard it on the soundtrack, I went out and got all of the Frames albums I could find. His range is one of the best I've ever heard, especially in Once. Marketa Irglova is wonderful as a solo singer/songwriter, as well as a duet partner, and I've so far found at least three projects she's been involved in. Both artists are incredible singers in their own right, but by including them both in this movie, someone has done something impossible: make a musical seem like it's a wonderfully felt story, not a production. I would easily say it's on par with Rent and Across the Universe in it's musical talent, and with Reign Over Me in simply how poignant love, loss, and renewal can be.

The song that has the strongest meaning for me was "When Your Mind's Made Up", if only for the chorus, and how it conveyed the immediacy of demanding a decision on the part of the spurned lover. This is, of course, followed by the fan favourite "Falling Slowly" because of how you could feel the love of the singers through the words "Take this sinking boat and point it home / We've still got time" in the chorus.

To close as best as possible, I easily recommend this film to anyone who wants a new movie to watch. I'm a guy, and stereotypically I don't watch "chick flicks", but this movie is more than that; it's for anyone who loves music, and how that music can affect their lives.

It only took one time, but after having seen this film with someone I cared about, I'm convinced it's perfect as can be; it said everything I couldn't, simply because words alone can't do it.

This is the best movie for anyone who can't find the words for what they know to be true, and especially for anyone who loves music and film. It deserves all the awards it gets. May 11, 2008

 a remarkable movie
The acting, the plot, the filming, the music -- don't forget the music, are all WONDERFUL. This is a sensitive little film that represents the importance of human friendship, connections, family, commitment, love, and kindness in a well directed, well filmed and well recorded way. It's one of my favorite films. I was truly moved by this work. May 8, 2008

 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

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