Once
I discovered the 2006 masterpiece Once a bit late, but it’s worth reminiscing. While it’s been labeled a modern musical, I think it’s more appropriate to call it a film about musicians. Perhaps the distinction isn’t important, but I think it’s worth noting that no one breaks into song at bizarre moments, or magically knows the words and tune of another character’s back story.
Once is the most engaging and realistic love story I’ve seen in a long time. I won’t spoil the end for those who haven’t seen it, but I will say that, unlike standard Hollywood love stories, the credits don’t roll after the main characters clear up their first big misunderstanding.
A love story without sex and nudity is an awesome feat. This sort of love story honors women in an important way. The female lead (and love interest) is a whole and intriguing character without taking her wool coat off.
Classically, she supports the male lead’s music career, giving him the oomph he needs to record an album and move to the big city. She does get a piano out of the deal - probably worth the studio time she donated. He invites her to come along (though he’s on his way to reunite with an ex-girlfriend, so the invitation isn’t fully appealing). She has far less mobility, as a single mother and first generation immigrant with her own mother. The reality of these gender and nationality issues, while hard on the love story, is refreshing.
Filed under: movies on July 27th, 2008 by Anna Lisa
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