Review

Review Date: 10-June-07
Spoiler Rating: Low
Juju Judgment: Just OK

Once (2007)

"Once" opens with an Irish bloke (Glen Hansard) approached by a Czech woman (Marketa Irglova) while singing for money on the street. Unlike most of the passersby, she is tantalized by his song and interested to know his story. Returning next day, she reveals that she is a fellow artist, and they make beautiful music together (literally, in a piano shop). Afterwards they strike up a tentative romantic friendship which coincides with his decision to record a professional demo after many years of treading water. Their friendship remains tentative because each is still attached to someone from the past, although when they are together all signs point to the future.

That's the whole plot of John Carney's film festival favorite. Hansard and Irglova share a decent amount of chemistry and some cute moments, but the title would be cryptic if the trailer and poster didn't pose the question, How often do you find the right person? What happens or doesn't happen between the leads is mostly a showcase for the actor/singers and their songs, so how much one likes the movie depends on his or her enjoyment of the music. Personally, I found it pleasant but forgettable. The highlight comes in the middle when the woman goes out to buy batteries in her pjs and fuzzy slippers while writing lyrics to her new friend's tune. No other scene matches the hunger of that one, making "Once" seem to me a wan tribute to two major inspirations in life.

Copyright © 2007 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.