For those wanting something more Irish and less American, one of the finest Irish movies to be made in the last decade was the Academy Award-winning Once, released in 2006. If The Boondock Saints captures Celtic punk, this movie is all about Irish folk rock. Having become a fan of Damien Rice following the release of Closer in 2004, the Glen Hansard character seemed like a familiar stranger when I first got the chance to see this movie.
Music is central to Once, as are the streets of Dublin. The strongest scene in the movie is a simple one, the two main characters walking down the city street and coming upon a music store, where they stage an impromptu jamming session, producing just incredible sound in this tiny shop. This is subtly done, but the scene is shot and cut beautifully, making the most of the power of the music being created before our eyes. The quick shot of the shop owner smiling to himself as he listens is the kicker. It’s a softer, sweeter and a little sad as a film, but as a whole, and in particular a couple of the music-making scenes, it’s sure to warm your heart and be easy on the ears.
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