Ever watch a movie and then realize what you’ve just seen could actually have been happening right before your very eyes? That is the case of “Once”, an independent film from 2007 that totally slipped by me until last night (12/25/08).
Set in Ireland and starring 2 musicians, one of which is actually from a popular band called “The Frames”, the movie starts out as you meet the “guy” (no names for either of the 2 main characters, which I find to be endearing actually) strumming his guitar on the street corner. “Girl” walks by and notices him. From there, you get to know each of these two intimately as they meet and then set out to make a recording. And it’s as romantic and loving as any film I’ve ever seen.
I don’t want to give anything away, but this film came out of nowhere and smacked me in the head. Seriously, movies like this are gold for me, so I don’t want to tell all of the nuances and storylines. Let’s just say that both characters are likeable, both are struggling with past relationships and both carry some baggage of some kind. But at no point is any of this heavy-handed. It’s all done with genuine affection and told in such a way that you believe that this story is happening right in front of you andyou want to know more about each of them. It’s a perfect story with fantastic music (the song “Falling Slowly” won an Oscar) and a storyline so basic that it is timeless.
Go rent or buy it today…you won’t be disappointed and I guarantee you’ll watch it more than…once! 🙂
Overall Rating: A+
Popcorn And A Soda 