The film ONCE is a musical but the likes of which I have never seen before. This sad, beautiful film with its haunting and provocative soundtrack is breathtakingly effective.
Written and directed by John Carney , ONCE tells the story of a busker on the streets of Dublin who upon meeting a young Czech woman, is encouraged to pursue his dreams.
This simple narrative of two artists falling in love is elevated by the melodically beautiful songs written for the film by its star Glen Hansard (lead singer of the Irish band the Frames). Hansard was originally brought in just to write the musical numbers but Carney saw something more"¦thank god! It is a stroke of casting genius!
Hansard stars along side Marketa Irglova, a young Czech musician. Irglova was only 17 at the time of shooting and her and Hansards performances are astounding. Neither are trained actors and their performances are so gritty and authentic that for most of the film I felt as though I were eavesdropping on their most private of moments. And though the film is essentially about heartbreak it never falls prey to sentimentality as the director and actors never seek to manipulate.
Never have I seen on film such an effortless blending of music and dialogue. The songs were in no way superfluous, their lyrics served as a means for reserved characters to express their intimate feelings and failings. And the songs were never boring as Carney came up with many different ways to casually present them.
Once is a little film, make no mistake. It relies on a couple of musicians, in a simple plot, with a few instruments but it is so powerful in its execution and punch; that its charm has stayed with me.
I don’t want to ruin this experience for anyone by building up expectations but I can’t hide the fact that I just loved this simple Irish musical with the big, big heart. I’m giving it 5 stars.
