Like a Dogma musical...

Rating: 8/10 (22 January 2008)

I'd heard about this film, passed the marquee daily to and from work and had wanted to see it in the theater but for whatever reason I didn't. Boy, am I kicking myself now! What a great film this is. And how much greater would it have been in the theater! The Dogma-style film-making, whether intended or not, was a wonderful surprise. I loved feeling like I wasn't really supposed to be there, that I was witnessing something so private and pure. I am a fan of Richard Linklater's Sunrise/Sunset as well as Julie Delphy's (obviously Linklater inspired) 2 Days in Paris and, of course, Lars Von Trier. But there was something so pure in Once that separates it from the others. Maybe it was because even though their relationship was complicated it played out so smoothly and without force. They loved one another enough to realize that no matter their pasts or their individual futures they had that week and even a tangible memory of it. Both actors were honestly believable. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a good story, good music and isn't afraid to let their emotions go.