Once-Movie Review 09/29/2010
Posted by Films to consider in Irish film, Light Drama, Movies, Musical.trackback
Once (Irish) 2007
Winner, World Cinema Audience Award, Sundance Film Festival
Written and directed by John Carney
Stars Glen Hansard, songwriter and singer/guitarist from the Irish rock band Frame, as the guy and Markéta Irglová, Czech singer, songwriter, and musician, as the girl.
Simply stated, a guy and a girl meet by chance on the streets of Dublin. Their lives are intertwined while they make music together, and their story is accompanied by their songs.
Most of the lyrics and music was written by Hansard and/or Irglová. Their song “Falling Slowly“ won Best Original Song, Academy Awards and Critics Choice Award, and was nominated for a Grammy. (See below for info about an accompanying CD).
Neither Hansard nor Irglová had acted prior to this film, and their very natural performances reflect the friendship they had off-screen.
On a side note, everyone working in the creative realm should have a supporter like the guy’s father, who gradually realizes that his son truly does have what it takes to become a successful musician. He serves tea while the band practices together and critiques the resulting demo tape with a sincere: “That was f***ing brilliant!”
I’ve seen Once twice, will watch it thrice.
86 min. Rated R.
For more about Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
FILMS TO CONSIDER 
Here’s a link to a great performance by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová on the David Letterman show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPbC2YrUUsI&feature=related