Once New Release Review
One of the most uplifting movies of 2007.
Once is a sentimental Irish twist on the musical which could give any Dubliners' ballad a run for its Euro. Lead singer of The Frames, Glen Hansard, stars as an unnamed street musician who returns to Ireland nursing a broken heart and stalled ambitions. He encounters a Czech cleaner (feature debutante Marketa Irglova) while busking on the streets of Dublin, and the two strike up an immediate friendship. 'Girl' encourages 'Guy' to live out his dream, and convinces him to record a demo, set off for London and find his ex-girlfriend. It may all sound like Hollywood fluff, but there's an incredible chemistry between the star-crossed lovers, as they figuratively and literally make sweet music together. A huge hit at Sundance, director John Carney's film seamlessly weaves music and storytelling, creating one of the most uplifting movies of 2007. [Kevin McHugh]
Read Jenny Cruickshank's Once film review.