Once
In this charming contemporary musical helmed by John Carney, a street musician (Glen Hansard) in Dublin, Ireland, strikes up a friendship with a migrant street hawker (Markéta Irglová). Over the course of a busy week, they compose, rehearse and record a series of songs that mirror the duo's burgeoning romance -- and help the young busker release his musical passions. The actors wrote the tunes they perform, and won an Oscar for their efforts.
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» Reviewed by 19 people
I expected so much more, considering the accolades it received. Alas, the jumpy camera work was distracting making you feel as if the camera was there but never explained why the performers ignored it. The premise is good--she's not into you, she's into your music. But, the movie needed better production values. Don't get me wrong, some movies with lower productions values be outstanding. This was not one of them.- Craiglet
Two wounded souls go on a healing musical journey. This is such an amazing movie that I just had to watch it twice on a long-hall flight. The the way the song sequences are shot and mixed is so intimate, it really gives you a sense of being there.
- n8ball
I liked this movie. Partly because I am a frustrated songwriter at heart. It is romantic, but doesn't follow the typical boy meets girl movie storyline. In the end, it's really about the music. About going for your dreams, and how the best friendships help you find them.
- Mister C
A beautiful story about beautiful music. If you love music, it's just about a perfect movie.
- Curious Stranger
I was prepared to enjoy this movie after reading the glowing member and critic reviews. Unfortunately, the movie disappointed for reasons previously mentioned in the few negative reviews (poor character development, minimal character arc, okay music). Perhaps I'm missing some subtlety or nuance that has dramatically touched the majority of reviewers. I think that the low production value may make the film more worthy of praise in the eyes of some.
- SC 1899337
Here we are on December 12th, and I just saw my favorite movie of the year. The music the two people make is sincere, haunting, and heartbreaking. For aspiring musicians, this film captures that wonderful and rare moment when you realize that the talent you have might actually be something special -- something that could enrich other people's lives. For aspiring lovers, this film captures that equally rare moment when you realize you've met someone that enriches your own existence. This is an intimate snapshot of a moment in time -- in the lives of both the characters and the actors that portray them, who continue to make beautiful music together. I can't think of a better musical film, and it's among the most romantic movies I've ever seen (right up there with 'My Sassy Girl'). In an already-great year, 'Once' still stands as the best film of 2007.
- Topaz420 in CA
The movie was well-received by critics. I was eagerly anticipating watching a delightful movie with new talent. The theme of "Once" is also appealing."The Commitments" is similar (also filmed in Ireland) about several musicians who overcome tremendous odds to to put together a very talented group with a phenomenal sound with songs such as "Mustang Sally" that reflect range and intensity of the band members. (The lead character of "Once," Glen Hansard, was also in "The Commitments.") "That Thing You Do" has a similar theme. Both movies were uplifting, fun to watch more than once, interesting characters with personality and enthusiasm and an exceptional soundtrack. "Once" does not match these other films. As several reviewers noted, it was understated. It was so understated it was hard to watch the story dragging to the finish line. The music was unexceptional. The songs may have been expressing intense emotion but was difficult to listen to and sometimes resembled moaning as Glen Hansard struggled to display his writing talent with limited musical range with filming that often resembled an amateur home video. The charm of the movie, apparently, is that it is "real" and not a big budget film from a major studio. It does resemble the reality shows we have all come to know so well on American television and, perhaps, that is part of the romantic attraction to "Once." Unfortunately, the lack of a budget and expertise shows in the final result. The amateurish nature will appeal to some who rebel against the slicker production quality of most films. But if you want to see an entertaining film with exceptional talent from professional entertainers, this is not a movie that will be high on your list. Perhaps it is a film that appeals to a generation accustomed to reality TV shows. A good effort in producing a film with a low budget but the overall result is uninspiring.
- AtTheBeach
This is NOT a musical...don't know why they term it as one. This film is more like a "making of" kind of film. As you follow singer song writers from the creation of the songs to the actual production of the album. I found it interesting, the music was great. The story well... in my opinion the story kind of lacked what the synopsis promised. I did enjoy the film just not as much as I thought I would. The worst part if there was any was the ending. A little bit of a downer for some hoping to find the romance the film promises. Over all a good movie, definitely worth a look at if your into musical films. No rush on this one however when it comes to your queue in my opinion.
- *~*Sullivans*~*
A brilliant little film. A simple story simply told, with heart, warmth, and genuine surprises. So confidant in it's story and in love with it's characters that you begin to feel an intimate connection to them. By the end of the movie they felt like old friends.
- Mercurywaxing
Easily one of the best of the year. The two stars of this movie have the most organic relationship I have ever seen on film. And do not let the description of it being a musical deter you. This is a beautiful movie whose simpleness is one of its strengths. A great film all around. Highly recommended.
- T-Bone
Just watched this flick (May '08) after reading many positive reviews and wanted to add to the praise. The music is pretty amazing and all original by the actor/writer. The R rating is strictly for language because there is no nudity or sex or anything close, which is refreshing. The story is sweet and the movie is relatively short at about 80 minutes so I recommend this for everyone to see at least once, if not twice.
- Skorpean
Phenomenal. Once was just as good as I was hoping for. I bought it instead of renting, because I wanted to support the independent filmmakers who brought this to life. I am glad I did. The soundtrack, the story, it is all so realistic, you get lost in it completely. Several times, I had chillbumps - you will too - and I'll admit to getting a little teary-eyed. It's impossible not to, when the music is so inspiring and beautiful. I am still reeling from it, I am so happy to have been able to watch it, and it is now one of my favorite movies of all time. Certainly my favorite musical of all time (And it's nowhere near as cheesy as any musical you've ever seen).
- MCWHAMMER
I love movies. I think anyone here probably would say the same thing. More than movies, though, I absolutely adore music. It's so much more important to me than movies ever could be. To find a film that is so genuinely moving and touching and charming that also incorporates fantastic music...well, that's Heaven for me. Perhaps you feel differently, perhaps not. In either case, watch it for a great movie experience or listen to it for a great musical experience. I couldn't more strongly recommend this little independent film, which while described as a modern day musical, isn't really that at all. It's much more than that.
- Photo Heathen
I went into this film with a lot of reservations. I don't particularly like romances and musicals are generally hit or miss, but I loved it. It is a movie that I enjoyed when I was watching it, but enjoyed even more over the next couple days as I kept thinking about it. It is one of my top 5 movies of last year and the soundtrack has been on heavy rotation on my ipod ever since I finished watching it.
- Brody
A talented street musician on the streets of Dublin is awoken from a funk when he meets a pretty Czech emigree who plays piano. Unfortunately, he's pining for the woman who broke his heart and she's still married to her baby's father back home. This is a tender two hour music video that will touch you if you like this type of music. (So listen to the preview before renting. All the music sounds like that.) PS. I like to turn on the subtitles when watching an Irish film - even if it's in English, so I never have to struggle to understand what's being said.
- GS Chicago
Once is one of the more interesting rock musicals Ive ever encountered. The musical aspects are presented in a way that never becomes cheesy, never crosses the line into a spontaneous song and dance kind of musical. Glen Hansard plays songs in the streets of Dublin for money, or songs are played in a music shop or the recording studio. Overall the film addresses the music in a very mature manner; its very tastefully done. The music throughout the film is great, Hansards songs are fantastic, making the film even more enjoyable, and the acting isnt bad. The chemistry between Hansard and Irklova is great, they are an amazing duo throughout the film. Once is one of the best independent films of 2007, see it.
- Dlukenelson
Once is one of those romantic dramas where you almost "feel glad, just to be sad" as the old song goes and you start looking around for your special person to hug. A bittersweet love story of two talented, but down on their luck musicians, Once is more than just a love story, it is about music and creativity, how a connection born in creation can forge impressive bonds between people that the world seems destined to keep apart. We actually never know the names of these two people and yet this film takes us to a level of intimacy between them that is startling and refreshingly authentic. Camera shots that suggest hand held cameras makes you feel as if you are sitting in a room with them or across the aisle of bus. I felt a sense of connection and privilege to be allowed to hang out with them and was sad to see the final credits roll. As soon as the film was over, I rushed down- stairs to order the soundtrack, the music these two make to underscore the film is quiet and magnificent. Hansard and Irglova are luminous in this little independent gem and I will return again to hear their music and their story. 5 stars for dignified human acting and amazing music! 7/19/08
- TH Reviews
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. It was very good for a low budget film, and the music was very good as well. It was a very different kind of romance movie. It really was more about friendship, because they didn't really have a romantic relationship, hard to describe. I suggest it for someone looking for a different kind of take on romantic movies.
- saveourbluths
Brilliant! What it lacks in production value and glossy polish, it makes up for more than ten times in heart, charm and genuine human emotion. I can only hope that somewhere, in some giant Hollywood studio, a meeting of suits is taking place wondering how on Earth a film of such low budget can have this much emotional impact. And let's hope these same suits begin to understand it's not about the big stuff, but rather the little things like story, connection, and human chemistry.
- Frank W