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Raindrop Review - ONCE

6/20/07

Once in awhile a movie comes along with that
Once upon a time feeling of something that happens, if you're lucky,
Once in a lifetime.

Such a movie is ONCE. Frames singer Glen Hansard is 'guy' - a vacuum repairman who spends his spare time playing his guitar on the streets of Dublin. During the day he sings what people want to hear, but when the night comes and no one is around, he sings his own song. Well, no one but 'gal', Markéta Irglová, who is enchanting, beautiful, wonderful and heartbreaking. She spends her days selling flowers and magazines on the streets - but she listens to his song. The two quickly form a bond, perhaps recognizing the sense of aloneness that can so easily be hidden in this world.

The music is perfect, flowing out of the hearts of the characters. Who hasn't felt like a Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy - at least once in their life? The un-produced feel to the songs and video lend a sense of voyeurism. We are peeking into these lives, learning just what they are willing to show us. There's are no big dramatic moments - no climactic scenes - no grand declarations. There is a guy and gal and their willingness to find each other, to see each other, to hear each other, to love each other - once.

I hesitate to say anymore. There's a fragility to ONCE that asks for an open heart, a listening ear, a willing spirit. Do yourself a favor and surrender to this gentle film. I'm going to see it more than once. And I already bought the soundtrack....

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