Once is a modern musical from Ireland about a guy (Glen Hansard) and a girl (Marketa Irglova). The guy is a street musician who preforms popular tunes by day, and his own music at night. He also works in his fathers Hoover repair shop. The girl is a Czech mother who sels roses to help support her daughter and her mother. She is also a talented pianist. Together, they help each other realize their dreams. The film is a refreshing alternative to the typical movie of this genre. Hansard wrote all the music himself which helps make his character feel more genuine.
The cast of Once is made of entirely of actors I am unfamiliar with. Add that to the journalistic style of cinematography, and the film seems like was a documentary of Hansard’s life and his attempt to make it big. While the film ends in a way I didn’t quite expect, it makes sense to end it where it ends.
The soundtrack of Once is one of, if not the star of this film. Once won several awards including the Independent Sprit Award for Best Foreign Film and an Academy Award for the song “Falling Slowly” I would recommend the soundtrack to anyone who likes acoustic guitar led music.
Summing it up, Once is a charming film that leaves out the drama that I was worried they would throw in. The music deserves the attention it has been receiving and it would be great to see more of Hansard’s music featured in films.
I give Once 4 busted Hoover vacuums out of 5
