Once - 8.5

Once tells the story of two lost souls who find each other, and themselves, over the course of a music-filled week in Dublin.  Its indie roots and plot, along with its subtlety and intelligence, remind me of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset with very good music substituted for realistic dialogue.  And while I'm not normally a fan of musicals, the songs in this film undoubtedly work.  Not only were they 'good' songs in general, they advance the plot in a creative and unique way.  I found myself moved (not to tears mind you but moved none the less) by this movie and the passion evident in the music (which was written and performed by the two lead actors) played a huge role in this.  To top it all off, in contrast to another relatively similar movie like Garden State that was entertaining and admirable throughout but cheapened itself by taking the easy way out when it came time to provide a conclusion, Once had a pitch-perfect ending that was worthy of the excellence of the rest of the film.  I will eventually post my final 2007 movie rankings after I see I'm Not There, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and a few others, but it is safe to say that as of right now the only movie I'd definitely rank above Once is Atonement.