It's a musical in the sense that "Once" is a music. While the characters don't simply burst into song, as musicians their craft indicates their true feelings and struggles. The main character, Brook, is struggling to come to grips with the loss of his mother, his own purpose and the value of creation.
The film is full of references to his first album, Canines, which indicates that he has great talent for songwriting. However, Brook wonders about the value of such creation; the movie opens with him being heartbroken over the tsunami striking Japan's coastline. It is apparent that he questions the value of something as "silly" as songwriting in a world where such atrocities occur. In many ways, Brook craves something that is real. He shuns meaningless relationships and while he enjoys the praise of his peers, he knows that it is ultimately empty.
This brings up the question of meaning and purpose to each life; what are the goals of living? An individual bestowed with huge amounts of talent wonders whether it's worth using it. Brook represents many of us who wonder what we are meant for. It's human nature to question our purpose.
Similarly, Brook's life questions the value of beauty. Is it enough that something is enjoyable, or must it have some further, deeper purpose? Is the enjoyment and appreciation of something enough to giving it intrinsic value? Perhaps the beauty of something indicates a built in value as well as the value of its creator.
A pivotal moment occurs between Brook and Clark, his would-be best friend. Brook states, "Too many people are making crap and calling it art." Clark responds, "I do it because it makes me happy." This epitomizes a future shift for Brook, a realization that creation itself has value.
This movie was so well done in many ways. The dialogue is authentic and true; nothing about the interactions feels forced. The camera work is excellent, especially in the scene where Brook displays his brokenness. He breaks down at night and cries, waking one of his sisters. She comforts him holds him; it's an incredible scene, with the point of focus constantly shifting. It provides the audience with a sense of shifting clarity and mimics the view of one who has tears in their eyes. It is a finely crafted scene that serves as a high point of the directing.
Perhaps the best part of this film is the music. It is insightful into Brook's struggle and matches the philosophy of the film. The soundtrack is certainly worth owning, as is the Canines album, which the filmmakers released.
