Charming and honest "Once" is a soundtrack with a movie instead of the other way around

Rating: 8/10 (30 January 2008)

"Once" touts itself as a "contemporary musical," but that term doesn't quite do it justice. It is a film that is centered around and supported by its music all at the same time. The songs don't help tell the story so much as enhance it much like a soundtrack would. In that sense, "Once" is more like a brilliant pop/acoustic soundtrack with a story mixed in.
The film is about a guy who lives with his dad who when he's not helping his dad fix vacuums, is out on the street playing music and at night he plays his own songs. When a girl stops by and listens their different lives become uncontrollably intermingled by their love of music, which they begin to create together.
Perhaps the truly great thing about the film is that it doesn't give in to the romance story that the viewers mind is undoubtedly wrapped around. Their relationship and attraction is central to the story, yet creator John Carney finds a way to make it enjoyable while not indulging in the simple pleasures of Hollywood romance cliché. It makes the film very honest, respectable and perhaps praiseworthy while retaining a lot of charm.
When it comes down to it though, the film is about the music and it is truly beautiful music for anyone that has an appreciation for acoustic pop. It does have a mildly indie sound, but it's definitely capable of being mainstream. The songs aren't only good, but they make the movie interesting - you can see the inner-monologue and the emotions when the footage is simply just of the two of them playing. What's even better is when Carney keeps the audio of the song rolling and continues the film visually. It creates some seamless transitions and shows just how much the music really acts as an appropriate soundtrack too - something that brings out the undertones in the story.
"Once" is a triumph of independent film and a unique venture into experimental genre. It does leave a little left to be desired and dances around some potentially dramatic moments, but we're not talking about a major studio picture, so considering the limitations I'm awfully impressed.