A little gem of a movie

Rating: 9/10 (2 February 2020)

Once, an indie musical, made with a reported budget of only 150 thousand dollars, is an odd little film. It is a musical where people just do not spontaneously break out dancing and singing for no real reason. All of the musical scenes make scense here. It is a love story without any real romance. Even though the tension is there between the two protagonists, the only "sexual" scenes we get are a kiss on the cheek and an awkward moment in guy's apartment. The film centers around two young and talented musicians who love music but lack the confidence to pursue their dreams. It is their chance meeting that brings out the best in them. In a perfect world Guy and Girl, played brilliantly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, would be soulmates and live happily ever after. But John Carnet is not interested in Hollywood love stories. Life is not that simple and neither is this film. Some people might not like the bittersweet ending. Speaking for myself, I think the ending made perfect sense. I do have to point out that even though I loved the film, it is not without some drawbacks. Not all of the musical scenes hit the mark. But the scene where Girl comes out of the store in her pajamas, with walkman in hand and singing through the night, was simply magical. This little gem of a movie proves that you do not need big budgets and big name stars to make a good movie. And Once, is a really good one.