In 2007, "Once" portrayed a faint and restrained ambiguous emotion, coupled with simple and clean music, capturing the true and serene essence of love and pain in life. Director John Carney, with his background in a band, demonstrated a magical ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary by incorporating music into a simple and refreshing story.
Moving on to "Begin Again" (in 2013), the story follows a similar thread. Scarred by failed relationships, two losers come together through their shared love for music. The subtle emotions, the slow convergence of two hearts, and the eventual abrupt ending create a more inspirational storyline than "Once." While the outdoor recording scenes in the streets are visually appealing, I prefer the confined sense of isolation that the loser faces the world within "Once." The music in those moments adds a more poignant touch to the resistance and emotional release.
As Dan says in the film, a good song can turn mundane scenes into something as captivating as pearls. However, the songs in "Begin Again" appear somewhat mainstream. Though enjoyable, they lack the heart-touching quality that the gems in "Once" possess.
What makes me appreciate "Begin Again" is its treatment of the romantic storyline, embodying John Carney's inherently refreshing style. It makes us feel the faint emotions budding in love, the slight regret when it ends, and the genuine pain of not being able to let go of what is truly lost.
Gretta has a soft spot for Dan and is impressed by his talent. She sincerely approaches and helps his daughter, even secretly keeping an eye on Dan's ex-wife. The segment where they both wear headphones and traverse the streets of New York is quite moving. Dan is not oblivious, but the problem is that the experience that warms their relationship is a repetition of Dan and his ex-wife's romantic story. After that night eighteen years ago, that split second was destined to be the story of Dan and his ex-wife. Just like the man in "Once" singing, "One day I'll go there and win her once again," Dan can't forget his ex-wife, and there's an unspoken understanding between them.
Gretta also can't forget her cheating boyfriend, evident in her song-filled phone call to scold him. She willingly attends when the boyfriend expresses regret and invites her to his concert. As he sings "Lost Stars," a song with profound meaning for them, Gretta hears the sincere change of heart in the first half. However, as the song climaxes, Gretta becomes increasingly saddened and disappointed, ultimately choosing to leave.
Why? Dan had told her that her boyfriend would fall in love with the rock star lifestyle, sincerely loving the glamorous stage, bright lights, and crazy fans. The atmosphere created by the song "Lost Stars" makes Dave thoroughly enjoy it.
Yet, Gretta's desired and cherished "Lost Stars" is in a small apartment in Bristol on the eve of Christmas, softly singing with a guitar in hand. In that moment, she and Dave are so intimate, and their hearts communicate through the beautiful melody and lyrics. But now, with the same song, she sees the irreparable distance between them. Two hearts that were once so close are now forever apart. Gretta chooses to leave because she realizes that beyond the right or wrong of the relationship, what is more poignant is what they once had and can never recreate.
Is it the affectation of an artistic youth? Perhaps. But, just like Alvy picking lobsters with Annie Hall or the woman in "Once" saying "I love you" in Czech, some feelings cannot be replicated. These moments are like pearls that string together the meaning of our entire lives. However, when you hold the thread with pearls in your hand and realize that there are no more pearls to string, despite all the reluctance, it's time to let go.
At the film's end, Gretta rides away on a bicycle, leaving behind all the beautiful "Once" moments with Dave to begin again. Like the song she sings at the film's beginning, "Take a step you can't take back."
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