Warm Profundity in Complex Simplicity

Rating: 10/10 (14 July 2007)

'Once' is a film that could confound many who see it. There is an innocence and simplicity in style that captivates. The musical that lies within is tinged with an originality that comes straight from its street feel driven mostly by the flowing hand-held camera work. Because of this, it operates as almost an abstract, experimental film walking the line between verite and a pseudo-neo realism, but has this organic feel by centering on its core theme, love as the most important ingredient in the birth of music.
And most importantly, it presents a story of an unrequited yet fulfilling love that is more heartfelt and real than almost any requited love story I've ever witnessed.
That's what makes the boy's gift of a piano to the girl at the end magical. Their powerful lovemaking through musical creation would continue on in both lives even if they never met again.
I don't think a simpler film has ever made such a moving, profound statement about what's most important in our lives.
A lot of things to absorb. Most important in the end, however, is the soulful warmth you leave the theater with. I hope as many people as possible get to experience this. They all will be better for it.