Movie Recommendation of the Week: Once

Once, 2006

~ Starring ~

Glen Hansard
Marketa Irglova

~ Awards ~

Academy Award for Best Original Song, "Falling Slowly"


~ Synopsis ~

Sometimes, you only get one chance to follow yours dreams. So, when a brokenhearted street musician clicks with a beautiful and feisty keyboardist, the unlikely couple decides they have nothing--and everything--to lose. Over the course of one electric week, the duo writes, performs and records an incredible cycle of songs every bit as spontaneous and soulful as their improbable romance. This truly unforgettable blend of transcendent pop music and raw, naturalistic storytelling is absolutely mesmerizing, because something this passionate and original comes along only...Once.

~ Why I'm Recommending It ~

• It has sort of a raw, documentary feel to it. What I found interesting about it was that Hansard and Irglova were only called in to play these parts when the real actors couldn't quite master the musical performance.
  
• The chemistry between Hansard and Irglova is positively sweet. The "love story" is recognized, but they meet bumps along the way that makes it difficult for them to commit to one another. In other words, the love story isn't "sappy" and that's why it's easy to get into.
• THE MUSIC. It feels like a musical, without the grand dance numbers and spontaneous bursts into song. The songs are hauntingly heart-wrenching and beautifully composed. You watch them create the music together, giving it a very personal feel. "Falling Slowly," "If You Want Me," "When Your Mind's Made Up," "The Hill", and "Say It To Me Now" are some of my favorites.
  
• The names of the two main characters are actually never mentioned in the film. I felt this made the movie more universal and personal--this relationship can be happening to anyone.
• Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are incredibly talented musicians. With Glen's Irish lilt to his performance and Marketa's slight Czech-accent in her singing voice, it makes this movie about music and love quite dynamic.

RATING
1/2 OUT OF 5