Once

Once is the touching tale of two people whose love of music brings them together in the most humble of circumstances. On the streets of Dublin we see two lonely people - a man playing for pennies with a broken heart and cynicism that consumes him - a girl with a warm and understanding manner who shows him that there is happiness to be found even in lonely times. They begin to play music and inspire each other through the songs they write and the experiences they share.


This film was truly incredible and for writer/director John Carney - a truly magnificent achievement. Especially when one considers the challenges along the way - loosing his leading man/producer Cillian Murphy who supposedly backed out when faced with the prospect of acting opposite Markéta Irglová who had no acting experience but is a musician by training (which only adds to the authenticity and charm of the film!), but for B-lister Murphy with Batman and Redeye sky rocketing him into mediocrity the idea of a non-actress leading lady wasn't too appealing. With him out of the picture other producers and film financers quickly followed his lead and John Carney watched his film crumble all around him. Left with only a script and the music Irglova and fellow musician Glen Hansard had created for the film, Carney turned to Glen to be his leading man. Apart from his part in the classic "The Commitments" (which also stars all musicians/not actors), Glen had no experience but in accepting the role did Carney and audiences around the world a great service!!! When you see the film you'll realize how important it was that the people who wrote the songs for the movie sang them in it - for the rewards of hearing such beautiful music sung by the people who created it- who dreamed it up from inside of themselves- there is nothing like it and the strong and honest emotions that the film evokes in its audience are evidence of that.
The song "Falling Slowly" - the first song the two play together - won the academy award this year for best song and thank God for that - as it is a masterpiece! Watch the video above and listen for yourself - I doubt you'll disagree.