Once (2007)

Genre

Drama | Music | Romance

Director

John Carney

Country

Ireland

Cast

Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick, Alaistair Foley, Geoff Minogue, Bill Hodnett, Danuse Ktrestova, Darren Healy, Mal Whyte, Marcella Plunkett, Niall Cleary, Wittold Owski, Krzysztos Tlotka, Tomek Glowacki, Keith Byrne

Storyline

A modern-day musical about a busker (Glen Hansard) and an immigrant (Markéta Irglová) and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story.

Opinion

Buried somewhere on my watchlist for a very long time, my interest in this film reborn when Jane at 500 Days Of Film said great things about it. It has been about two months since that happened, and yesterday I finally decided to spend a hour and a half of my time on it, and I'm glad I did it.

An excellent, gorgeous, honest film, "Once" will give you a unique experience and will remind you of why it is worth making and watching independent films.

The story is simple yet it captures your attention with its realism, and the ability to make you empathize with the characters, one way or another. What captives you the most is the romance between the boy and the girl - nope, they don't have names, they would be nothing but superfluous.

The two protagonists are able to mutually give themselves the greatest love possible, to feel good without needing any physical contact, or even a kiss. That contact or that kiss are not necessary for them to touch each other's soul.

The film, as well as the title, poses us a question: in life, it is possible to meet the person that really understands you, and touches your inner-self? If so, what will happen if you cannot spend the rest of your life with this person?

Entirely shot with a hand-held camera, yet the shots are not too shaky, on the streets of Dublin, the film makes you feel like you're there, in Dublin, with those two, and at the same time makes you feel their feelings through their wonderful music - "Falling Slowly" won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová are perfect for the roles, and their sweet, and delicate chemistry really stands out.