Once is an independent musical film released in 2007, directed and written by John Carney. The movie tells the story of two musicians, known only as Guy and Girl, who meet on the streets of Dublin and form a bond over their love of music. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the good and bad aspects of the movie.
What’s Good About Once?
- The Music: One of the biggest highlights of the movie is the music. All of the songs in the movie were written and performed by the stars of the film, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The music is heartfelt and authentic, and it’s clear that it comes from a genuine place of love and passion for music.
- The Performances: The performances by Hansard and Irglová are captivating and emotional. They both bring a rawness and vulnerability to their characters that makes the story all the more engaging.
- The Authenticity: Once feels like a very authentic portrayal of the Dublin music scene. The film captures the gritty reality of the city and its people, and it’s clear that the filmmakers had a deep understanding of the culture and the music scene.
- The Simple Story: Once is a simple story about two people who bond over their love of music. The simplicity of the story allows the focus to be on the characters and their journey, which makes it all the more emotionally powerful.
What’s Bad About Once?
- The Slow Pace: While the slow pace of the movie is intentional and adds to the overall mood and tone, some viewers may find it to be a bit too slow for their liking.
- The Lack of Character Development: While the characters of Guy and Girl are well-developed, the supporting characters are not given much screen time or development. This can make it hard to fully understand the relationships between the characters.
- The Lack of Plot: Once is a character-driven movie with a simple story. While this is a strength of the movie, it may be a drawback for viewers who are looking for a more complex or action-packed story.
Conclusion
Once is a beautiful and authentic movie that is filled with heartfelt music and powerful performances. The simple story and slow pace of the movie may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate a character-driven story, Once is a must-see. While the lack of character development and plot may be drawbacks, the emotional depth of the movie more than makes up for it. Overall, Once is a movie that is sure to stay with you long after the credits roll.
