I watched the movie “Once” for the very first time last weekend. It was absolutely beautiful. The music is enchanting and the lyrics harmonious. The songs are pure music. As bold as that statement is, that’s how I feel about it. I’ve never encountered music in a movie that was so vital to conveying the story but also delivered it so effortlessly.
The movie was about love- a story we’re use to seeing retooled and delivered year after year- but it delivered it in a fantastic way. The movie is classified as a musical, but it didn’t feel like a musical. However, it wouldn’t have been the same movie without the music. The characters are charming and live ordinary lives, and that’s a part of the draw.
You connect with the two main characters and want the best for them because they want that too. Both play musical instruments- a piano and a guitar- and are doing their best to get by. Music is their love and distraction from life. I love music as well and have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument- ironically, the guitar or piano. But after just watching the first original song by the male lead, I felt an urge to go out and buy a guitar. I felt the same way when the female lead played the piano for the first time. And their first song together is beautiful.
For me, music is a distraction as well. I love to be immersed in it because it takes me to another place. But after watching this movie, I’m starting to wonder more and more: if I love music so much, why just let it be a distraction in my life?
I emailed my niece’s dad who is in a band ’cause the movie reminded me of him. To all music artists out there: Thanks for sharing. To all aspiring musicians: Keep going.
If you haven’t seen it, rent or buy it for the holidays. You won’t regret it.