Hollywood could learn so much from the world's independent film makers. I'm sure we all already knew that, but "Once" is another shining example. It's a story about an Irish busker (street musician) and a brief, near-romance he has with a Czech immigrant street peddler.

As far as musicals go, this one did two major things right:

1. They cast musicians that can act, rather than actors that can sing.
This lent immediat legitimacy to th music of the film. Director John Carney took it one step further, not only casting musicians, but talented songwriters, and having them write the music they would be performing during the film. Any musician knows the difference between someone singing from the heart, with songs they've put part of themselves in, and someone singing someone else's songs that they are pretending to sing from the heart.

2. The musical aspect of the film is done realistically; no random, spontaneous song and dance numbers.
The main characters are musicians. The songs they perform are all a part of their story as musicians and songwriters, and they move the story along as their partnership and their friendship grows, as well as revealing insights into the characters' past and motivations.

The music itself is beautiful, original, and it carries the film. I couldn't help but to go online and purchase the soundtrack right after I watched it. Casting musicians, and having them write music that they themselves would write in their characters' shoes was a brilliant choice. The acting isn't top notch, but is more than adequate. Personally, I'd rather see a movie like this with adequate acting by musicians that make the film with their music, than splendid acting and mediocre music. This movie has stuck in my mind. It brought a tear to my eye, which doesn't happen that often. It also inspired me, and may change how I write music. That is a high compliment coming from me. It is poignant, bittersweet, and sad, but doesn't leave you feeling down. It is also totally devoid of cheesy Hollywood cliches. And, according to IMDB.com, it is rated equally by males and females, which makes it a perfect date movie, and speaks to it's universal appeal. I recommend it to anyone, especially songwriter friends of mine.