A Love Letter to Musicians, Singers and Lovers Everywhere...From Dublin, Ireland to Dublin, Ohio and Back...

Rating: 9/10 (5 July 2008)

Two of the riskiest genres to work with in movies are romances and musicals. Especially when you add just a touch of comedy here and there. When you mix the two, usually you are just asking for trouble. Sometimes, you get THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG. Other times you get AT LONG LAST LOVE.
And then you get the ones that work and become something special...Something the likes of which you've never seen before. Nothing too loud, or precious or sickeningly sweet, but a rare combination of simple beauty and creativity taken to a place that touches the heart like nothing else can.
ONCE is such a film, I am so happy to say. Not a lot of people are going to like it, because it's as far from being a "Hollywood" film as you can get. No explosions, car chases, BIG dramatically "actor-y" moments or a soundtrack done by the latest chart-toppers on Billboard's Hot 100.
This is the story of one Irish Guy (Glen Hansard) and one Czech Girl (Marketa Iglova), who meet, write songs together, bond and fall in love. That's all. Well, no, I need to take that back. It's a story about the connections we make with one another through the things that make us similar, and how it leaves a mark on the heart and soul that can never be erased. And how music is the most powerful and profound way we can make that connection.
I saw the Oscars the year that the song "Falling Slowly" won for Best Song, and though I really liked it, I had no idea why it was chosen. Having seen ONCE now, I'd say the honor was very well-deserved, and it's a shame that it didn't receive more nominations. Hansard and Iglova give wonderfully natural performances, and when they're singing? The movie doesn't get any better than that, whether they duet or sing alone.
Writer/director John Carney made a brilliant decision to keep things simple, and the movie clocks in at just under ninety minutes. Funny thing is - when it was over, I didn't feel like I was cheated or that it should've been longer. I won't say how it ends or whether the Guy and Girl's romance is ever consummated, but let's just say the conclusion is...'note-perfect.' (I couldn't resist throwing that in there.)
Anyone avoiding this film because it has music or because they're allergic to "chick-flicks" should be prepared for a pleasant shock. Here is a perfect date movie that should appeal to both halves of a couple...even the cynics.