Once

When shown at Sundance in 2007, the microbudgetsinger songwriter musical “Once”became an instant hit and audience favorite,making director John Carney the new hottalent of Hollywood with rumors of big studioproductions. But Carney is true to his usual wayof realizing his films through tiny-Irish-financialmeans and shooting a lot to see where it leadshim. In the case of “Once”: to a charming butnever trivial, “Lost in Translation”- platoniclove story, that avoids the clichés of narratingthrough song. Carney keeps it straightforwardthroughout – even referring to the maincharacters simply as Guy and Girl. The two meeton the streets of Dublin where the Guy performshis songs, and the Girl, a young mother from theCzech Republic, sells flowers. Before long, theydiscover their compatibility as musicians - and possibly something more - expressed in songs,composed and performed by the actors. GlenHansard, who plays the Guy, is lead singer of theIrish rock band “Frames” and starred in the Irishcult-film “The Commitments”. His folk singerroughness and female lead Markéta Irglová’stender piano ballads create little moments ofsheer magic.

Date Night:
Once, Watching the Detectives, Viva
Saturday 17 November
GRAND 22:00