So, I had a movie recommended a lnog while ago that I finmally got around to renting yesterday and watching last night. It was amazing. So here're my admittedly scattered take on Once.

Plot Summary: An unnamed busker/vacuum repairman (played by Glen Hansard of The Frames) on the streets of Dublin meets and befriends an assertive young Czech woman (also unnamed, played by Marketa Irglova), who jumpstarts his life. Our busker (known henceforth as "guy," his identification in the credits) pines after the woman who got away: a young lady with whom he had a long relationship which ended when she cheated on him and left for London. The Girl (Irglova's character) plays piano and is currently separated from the father of her toddler daughter. The two strike up a friendship, collaborate musically, and sort of dance around the possibility of a relationship. Ultimately, the arrange studio time to record an album together with some other street musicians. I'll leave out the denouement so as not to spoil...

Cinematography Etc: Made on about $160,000, mostly with handheld cameras etc. The lead characters are both musicians, and good friends; Hansard says in the DVD commentary that a lot of the film is not really them acting at all. Extensive use of wide-lens shots, fine views of Dublin-area scenery in backgrounds.

Altogether, an emotional, beautiful, musical journey. 4 stars.