Once

'Once is just enough'

Well, that's it. The search for best song at the next academy awards is over. This little independent Irish musical steals the show with the music. In fact, to be honest, you might be able to save yourself some time in a big stadium by just buying the cd because if you do see the movie you will want to go buy the CD directly after anyhow. Now, knowing what I know about this film in particular makes it very bizarre to me. I will explain as I go *sigh* as always...

Story. Simple. Boy meets girl and they start up an indie type romance as they help each other to mend their broken lives and to become someting greater than their current shells. Why is it so special? Well, its not the script...and its not the cinematography or the directing...its the casting. My god, their has not been such a great chemistry between two people in a long long time. That, and the amazing music. The two main actors played by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova sing their own songs and play them too. Also, they wrote most of them. I mean, its amazing to see these two performing together like a great concert DVD between a famous duo. If Glen Hansard wasn't famous before, well he just became so as this can easily translate into cd sales since his music is perfect for the kind of crowd this movie will bring. As for directing, there are some amusing and cute moments but they are few and far between and generally the romantic portions steal from common romance films or from Richard Linklater and his Before Sunset and Before Sunrise movies. Except instead of witty banter and dialogue, the emotions and communication happen mostly through organic songs. Organic meaning it never feels like the songs don't belong. No dancing wombats or moments of angst bursting into melodious tune. Nope, all is song in a very gritty and raw style that accents the soothing melodies and accents the sometimes despairing lyrics. Its a great story about love and about getting back on your feet and helping others, strangers. It's a wonderful feel good film, even if the film is made on crappy DV tape. Its obvious from the viewing that the film stock was cheap and that the amount of money put into this film was next to none. Thankfully the gritty handheld look and the terrible quality of the film stock add to the raw and indie aura of the movie, plot, and music. In the end, it all ties together to make a great film that only needs to be viewed once and then if you buy the CD you can relive the film everytime you turn on your speakers. I am not sure that the film is for everyone as the directing can be kind of boring at times and it does feel slightly slow. But if you like the music you should love the movie and the amazing chemistry between two current artists. Congratulations casting director on this brilliant job. And now the truth, once you see the film you won't be able to imagine Cillian Murphy as the lead male's role which is what he was until he dropped out and the songwriter had to step in. It would have been very bizarre indeed. Go see it if you can, if you cant don't be afraid. It should work just as well on the home set as in the theaters.

4.6 out of 5