Once
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Movie Reviews of Once
Movie Review: Unexpectedly Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
I wasn't sure what to expect with this movie. Like many, I've heard the theme song over and over and covered many times. I really liked it and the reviews on the movie were good. So I picked up a used copy.
It was wonderful. So unlike most American movies, it was unique, unpredictable and heartwarming.
The two leads are well played, raw, honest and never seemed like 'acted' roles.
There is quite a bit of adult language though so it is not for the younger crowd. The actor's heavy accents can also get in the way of comprehension but for the most part are understandable.
Besides the music being great, the relationship between "guy" and "girl" (you never know their names) is terrific. They both hold their own ground and play on each other well. They are a great compliment to each other. "Guy" is rough, angry and struggling. "Girl" is softer, motherly, and friendly.
One of my favorite scenes is "girl" walking around town pulling her vacuum along like a pet, in the hopes that "guy" can fix it.
Despite the cover photo, this is not really a romantic love story. But the tension is there nonetheless.
Well worth a watch.
Movie Review: Reimagining The Movie Musical
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie comes as close as any I have seen to what it is like to make music with other musicians. The scene in the music store is a perfect example of those rare moments when two people sit down to play for the first time and "magic" happens. The scene toward the end of the film when the musicians leave the recording studio in the early morning hours captures the essence of recording music perfectly. Unlike some of the other reviewers I liked the fact that they relationship between the Guy and the Girl did not follow the typical Hollywood arc. Another refreshing departure from the standard movie musical was the relationship between the Guy and his father. The music is a matter of taste. I happened to like it and understand that street musicians cannot deal in subtleties; they have to grab the audience by the throat. This movie's other achievement it to reimagining the musical in a more realistic way, and on that level it is a triumph. The music is more organic and not artificially injected into the story. The fact that it was done on an incredibly low budget shows that the concept and story matter more than anything else in making a great film. I thoroughly enjoyed it.Movie Review: Small Film, Great Performance
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a story of a street musician played by Glen Hansard in Dublin who has let a breakup with his girlfriend send him into a type of depression. He meets and develops a friendship with a Czech immigrant played by Markéta Irglová who sells flowers on the street. They both share an interest in music and she is the catalyst that awakens him so that his life and music can begin to move forward.
This is a new type of romance film where the music is not only great, but is also the star and tells us the story. The music itself is a lead character in this movie. This newfound friendship is the motivating force in pushing his music career. I like that the movie also gives us a small glimpse into the creative process of the music.
It is hard to believe these two are not actors for they were so natural. It may be because they are musicians, so they were just acting naturally. This low budget film but the chemistry of the two main actors and music make it a must see film. I cannot remember the last time I bought a CD, but I will definitely consider buying the soundtrack to this movie.
Movie Review: I Never Have Written A Review Before
Summary: 5 Stars
But I had to this one time. I liked this movie alot, period. The story and the music combine for a believable tale of two people with loads of emotional baggage bringing out the best in each other. The story is probably familiar to many people, from those who have already lived it to those who dream the story will unfold for them at sometime in the future.
Given the opportunity to see Glen and Marketa performing as members of the Swell Season last month, I was amazed at how many people were touched by this movie. Based on the audience, the movie embraces people of all ages, from those still in their fundamental high school and college years to those who have experienced a bundle of springtimes. Perhaps it is all an act, but Glen and Marketa seem extremely genuine and seem to really enjoy making music together. What a great night that was.
I rarely offer advice, but I will break with tradition this one time. Please see this movie. There's a real good chance you'll enjoy it as I did. And perhaps you'll be writing your first review as well.
Movie Review: The Other Great Irish Music Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
Make no mistake, this is a movie made by musicians, *for* everyone, but *about* the power and magic of making music. If you are the kind of person who can hear Glen Hansard tell his band "OK, it's in 5/4" and go, REALLY?!! then ONCE is the movie you have been waiting for these many years. I have shown it to audiences of 12-18 year old kids who sat riveted through the whole thing, (very mild) adult content and all, when three years ago they'd have been watching cartoons. If you love gentle romance, music, Ireland or any combination of the three, I cannot recommend ONCE highly enough. The one suggestion I would have, especially in showing it to others who don't hear a lot of Dublin accents, is to turn on the English subtitles. It really helps to know exactly what they're saying when they get going fast or the crowd noise rises.
And it's not central to the movie or the review, but I can't leave without saying - How cool is it! - that Glen Hansard has a leading role in the two great Irish music movies of modern times. Fair play, as he'd say. Ten cent! Brilliant.