Rated R for language.
Directed by John Carney
Starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova
Once was a pleasant surprise.
I first heard of the film at the year end when people began blogging about their favorite films. Several people mentioned this film as one of their favorites. I was intrigued.
So my wife Lori and I rented it with the understanding that it was an independent film coined as a “modern day musical.”
I didn't have any idea of what to expect… and to be honest… during the first few minutes I was wondering what the heck I had got myself into.
In the first few minutes I realized:
- This is a low budget independent film. Not always a bad thing, but often it can be.
- The film makers are trying what looks like a “documentary” style of shooting. Again, not always bad, but it can be.
- We're going to see a lot of singing… so we better like what we hear.
- The first song was “just okay.” I really didn't know what to think. Lori and I looked at each other and both decided we wanted to give it more time.
By 20 minutes into the movie we were hooked.
The film is about two musicians (across the pond) who begin to write and sing songs together and eventually raise enough money to record a CD. Their relationship seems to be merely a friendship… but we can’t help but wonder if they both wanted more.
I can’t tell you that you’ll like this film. I think you’ll either like it, or hate it. But I'll say this: give it at least 20 minutes. If you don’t like it after the first scene where they sit down at the piano together… then turn it off.
I REALLY enjoyed this film. Lori and I both found ourselves humming some of the songs the next day. Heck, I just bought the sound track on iTunes.
This film won't be for everyone. It's a little artsy, and if you don't like music, you probably won't like it. Just give it 20 minutes. 20 minutes will tell.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
2 negatives:
- The film wanders into the realm of adultery… it never goes there… but it flirts with it. No nudity or sex of any kind.
- The film was shot across the pond where people seem to rattle off the “f” word like they're from Boston. So you have to have an “f” word tolerance. Film is clean aside from that.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
