Once achieves unparalleled accuracy in its portrayal of love, loneliness and the ongoing chase for ones dreams.

Satisfaction is something that was severely lacking in the world of film this summer. With a string of disappointing sequels and remakes, moviegoers left the theaters in record numbers, with record apathy. However, a tiny Irish film shot on digital video with unknown actors managed to completely captivate audiences and prove that something amazing can still exist in the barren wastelands of the summer movie season.

“Once” follows a street musician known only as “Guy” (played by real-life musician Glen Hansard), as he attempts to earn a few extra bucks on the streets of Dublin. Through what can be described as divine intervention, his path crosses with that of a young Czech immigrant known only as “Girl” (played by real-life singer and first time actress Markéta Irglová).

The two share an awkwardly sweet relationship until a moment inside a music store in which they perform a duet that leaves both the characters and audience breathless. This scene is the most poignant and beautiful moment of any film this year.

As the relationship between the two begins to flourish they realize that together, they may be able to achieve their collective dream of sharing their musical talents with the world.

Much of the magic of the film comes from the fact that two leads will randomly break out into song. These numbers aren’t the usual gaudy productions that most musicals use, but rather acoustic ballads that deliver more insight into the characters than any amount of dialogue ever could.

The songs played throughout the film linger with you from the moment that the houselights come up. Thankfully, the soundtrack provides a mesmerizing experience on par with any of the year’s best albums. The track “Falling Slowly” has quickly become my most played song of the year.

“Once” achieves unparalleled accuracy in its portrayal of love, loneliness, and the ongoing chase for ones dreams. In conjunction with a raw and realistic style of filming, “Once” feels more like a documentary than a narrative. It shares much in common with Richard Linklater’s amazing character studies “Before Sunrise” and “Before Sunset.”

Come Oscar season, there’s no doubt in my mind that “Once” will be buried by studio heavyweights whose sole purpose of existence is to nab as many of the golden idols as possible. However, even this predestined travesty fails to make a dent in the undeniable fact that “Once” is one of the best film experiences of 2007.

> Comments