A wonderful evening at the movies - Once Reviews

This movie was a delight to enjoy with my wife. It is that rare movie whose whole is more than the sum of its parts. It is a "reality" type show with awkward camera angles, poor lighting, and very little polish. The characters are very likable, yet flawed human beings. I don't know that either major character will find a role in major studio productions because they don't fit the stereotypical Hollywood style. The story was terrific and (thankfully) different from the traditional Hollywood fare. If this were a major studio film the couple would have been in bed by the third scene with ample nudity to "prove" their love (e.g., Little Children). Instead, we see two real humans struggling to understand the direction their lives have taken and using music as a powerful interpretive device to express and understand the world around them. Highly recommended as a date movie!

Once - Once Reviews

Though the title leads you immediately to the fairy-tale worlds of "Once upon a time..." this is a romance for real life. The film is live shot with a slight documentary feel which enhances the realness of the characters and the their interactions. It is at times both irreverently funny and undescribeably sad, though at all times the experience is brilliantly understated and subtle. The music is enchanting and memorable and I found myself singing along to a song I had never heard before. Definitely a movie experience to be cherished.

O my! - Once Reviews

This was just the lovliest and sweetest film I have seen in a long time. Being Irish and a hopeless romantic probably didn't help my objectivity, I suppose. For me, it was also just so "real". Two stangers, attracted by song to each other and finding themselves connecting emotionally, enjoying each other to the fullest in that space, "perhaps" longing for more, but staying within the boundaries of their own integrity, doing the "right" thing, and, yet, still giving the very best they had to give to each other. C.S. Lewis once said, "Friendship is the happiest and most fully human of all loves, the crown of life." Enhanced by the fabulous music, the whole experience was so simple, so loving, and therefore so very moving.

Warms up to; a-#1 story, a-#1 orginal music - Once Reviews

This is a different Movie about the creating of a new Song and the overall music/singing is the STAR. It is a modern "Operetta" of chance, love(uncompleted), outstanding visual emotions, and an overall "you are there with them" photography. It took me 20-25 minutes to warm up to the filming style, Irish accents, and casal attraction of the two leads. Then, I began to throughly love and enjoy what I was seeing, hearing, and feeling; WITH the two chacters as their love developes. It is well worth seeing twice, for the story AND the music; expecially the orginal song. Big Heart Dave.

Comprehending once - Once Reviews

The reaction to "Once" says something about us. There is real life (with all its light and dark, its beauty and despair, hope and disappointment... you get the idea) and then there is the artificial fa?ade of corporate/franchised life. When I left the theatre after this film, I called all three of my 20-something children and told them to stop whatever they were doing and go see this film ASAP. It's that good. And the fact that they will "get it", well that says something good about them and why I am hopeful about where the world might go.

Brilliantly captures the human condition!!! - Once Reviews

This movie was just simply superb. The beginning caught me off guard because it was not what I was suspecting. But it was absoltely brilliant, sad, and heartwarming. Bravo!

The music is where it shines brightest - Once Reviews

Like any film centered around a real musician, the heart of the film lies in the performances within. Don't look too closely at the acting, both leads are musicians, not actors. The lines between them often feel rigid. But when they sing together the magic happens, and it is gorgeous. The grainy handheld shots at night, with complete disregard for balanced visual composition, reminds one of Godard, and completes the aesthetic of the humanistic music.

I loved this movie!!!! - Once Reviews

I found this movie a refreshing change from all of the blockbuster/sequel drivel out there. It is a beautiful, simple story that is elevated by the magical music of Glen Hansard. Both Glen and Marketa Irglova have an amazing chemistry together on screen that makes this movie special. I have been telling all of my good friends and family to go see this movie!!!

----ing brilliant! - Once Reviews

I loved this movie! The music is magical, the characters are loveable - I was hooked from the opening scene. Find a way to see this movie, you won't regret it.

Once...i hope not.. - Once Reviews

A musical that's not song and dance number but rather, a story complimented and realized with the songs. I love how the two main charactes are nothing but "The Guy" and "The Girl" and in so doing the film makes for a very relatable story.

I din't want to see it... i was wrong ! - Once Reviews

My wife said, "lets go see 'Once'." Then she read me the film's description and I said, "F*ck Sake, not another Irish flick." Still, I went along with little to no enthusiasm. As it turned out, I WAS SO VERY WRONG about this one. (Yes - even a man can admit when he is wrong.) This film is a true work of art worthy of the emotions it charms from you. Men, don't worry, it is not exactly a tear jerker. It simply reminds you of hopes forgotten, struggles overcome, friends come and gone, and the music you have within. If you don't find something in this film for you, a string on your life's guitar may be broken. Still, I think you should attempt to play it anyway. You might be wrong too.

Substance over style - Once Reviews

No special effects, no stunts, no cliches, no unbelievable plots, no over-the-top acting -- just a simple, real story with some natural, understated acting, intelligent dialog, and some beautiful music to carry it along. I was absolutely hooked (and blown away) from the start, where The Guy gives an absolutely gut-wrenching performance on the street of a song he wrote about a breakup, and meets The Girl, who is one of the most honest, disarming characters I've ever seen in a movie. As with last year's Little Miss Sunshine, this movie proves that a great movie can be made with a small budget. But be warned... If you like your movies nicely polished and produced, or if prefer stories neatly wrapped in a Hollywood bow, then you probably will be disappointed. But maybe not. You may find that you can be entertained simply by a great story, beautifully told.

Overwhelmed - Once Reviews

I did not know what to think about this film,. About 20 minutes in, a few people walked out. The leads were not handsome or glamorous, neither were their lives. The music was not my cup of tea and as I left the theatre completely overwhelmed by emotion, I heard comments from other people saying they just didn't get the hype. Which is why the movie works so well. There is no hype. The characters are so well directed and acted that they seem like people you pass every day on the street. They are ordinary, the dialogue is ordinary. The ethnic differences in some of the characters are not typified but instead overlooked. It is one of the most real stories I have ever seen about nice people in real life situations who don't over play the drama and attempt to make their small little dream come true and just like life you never know if it would of , could of or should of or if it really mattered.It's just a story about friendship in the smallest most pedestian way which is why it's so brilliant. I believe Godard would have been impressed.

So happy it's finding an audience! - Once Reviews

I'm a HUGE fan of The Frames (Glen Hansard's band, who plays the male lead in the film) so I was excited when the film had an early screening in Los Angeles. I was hoping it would be good, but I had no idea it would work on every level as well as it does. The story is simple--two young musicians meet in Ireland, inspire each other and create great art and maybe fall in love. It's about how people communicate through music, rather than words. The acting is top notch, but the music is front and center here--Hansard's voice is amazingly expressive and his songwriting is incredible (seriously, in addition to the film's soundtrack, go buy some Frames albums, you won't be disappointed). Irglova is sweet and her chemisty with Hansard anchors the film. It has the look of a French New Wave flick--simple, hand-held camera work melds perfectly with the slice-of-life tone established by director John Carney (Glen's original bassist in the Frames, who left to pursue film in the late 90's). All in all, a complete victory, and I'm thrilled to see it playing for packed houses. Best film of the year so far.

A lovely film - Once Reviews

This is a quiet film that packs a great emotional punch. The film has a documentary feel to it, but don't let that turn you off. Glen Hansard(the Guy) and Marketa Irglova(the Girl)are awesome. From the beginning you can feel the chemistry. When they start playing music together for the first time, you know there is a bond between them that will never be broken. It has a gret supporting cast, as well. From his father to her mother to the three guys who come to watch TV at her house no one is wasted. One of my favorite scenes is the dinner they attend and afterwards everyone shares their music. I so wanted to be a part of it. Speaking of music, in this film it's just plain awesome. All of it comments on what we're seeing. From a music store to a recording studio you hear some of the best soft rock, I've heard in a long time. My first thought after the film was I need to get the soundtrack. A lovely little film that has a lot of depth. Go and enjoy.

Once - Once Reviews

Brilliant! The actors are so real and natural, more charismatic than usual movie star. The story flows in such a positive direction. All the characters are generous. Incredible music. The type of movie that makes you leave a theatre happy with the music in your head. I saw it twice already. Second time with my children 10 and 13. They applauded at the end. Rated R ? For the word ***** ? Don't get that. Many children movies need that rating but not this one.

Wonderful - Once Reviews

It's a love story. But it is simple not sappy. AND it is a musical but it is a story first with the music filling in and supporting the story. Pretty amazing really. Highly recommended.

Simply beautiful - Once Reviews

I expected a lot going in with all the hype surrounding this film. This film did not disappoint. It is simply one of the best films I have seen in years. The music is simply fabulous, though I do agree with other reviewers who have made the point that if you don't like the style of music it will detract from your enjoyment of the film. Even if you don't like the music, the film stands alone as a singular achievement. Its documentary style, cast of real musicians and unknowns, lean running time, and simple story of two people finding each other, love, and finally themselves through the music they make is pitch perfect. I highly recommend this film.

Make music, not love - Once Reviews

In my years of walking out of dark rooms having just experienced events and characters not myself, there have been many occasions that I have walked out with a smile on my face, the images burned in my memory and even a song in my heart. The last time it happened for me was United 93, where I was speechless hours after the show was over. And yet, coming out of this tiny music drama called Once, I felt something more profound. As to what that feeling is, I honestly can't say. Once is about a man and a woman, neither with a name but played by Glen Hasnard and Marketa Irglova respectively. The man is a street musician/vacuum repairman. She is a flower girl who finds him wailing away at one of his original songs one night, intrigued by his music. She's a pianist herself. The next day, she takes him to a music shop and one thing leads to another and...they duet in one of most powerful musical moments in the history of the movies. At first, they're awkward and out of sync. But they eventually not only match notes, but also turn in the ballad "Falling Slowly" (remember that song, you're going to want to find it after you're out of the movie). They start a friendship that he wants to see blossom, but she has reasons not to that I'd rather die than to expose. But as they find themselves sharing music, playing together, and sharing the songs of their hearts, they start a romance that is beyond sex, possibly beyond the limits of physical love. It eventually comes down to a choice of moving on that both characters have to face. He obviously has the talent to become more than he is. She can join him, but that would be turning her back on other things more important to her. The ending is pitch-perfect in its sad joyousness. But this is a movie that's not about the ending; instead it focuses on the journey these two souls take. Once is a very low-budget feature that feels shot on a low-end digital camera, more interested in the music than the images captured. The film is an extension of the songs sung. The songs are an extension of the joys, the fears, and the anticipation of things to come. The story could be described in terms of other movies by lazier moviegoers. To be honest, I wonder why musicians opt for music documentaries for this style of narrative-driven showcase of songs. And like Once, the songs don't necessarily have to follow the story, as long as the tones of the music and the movie match. And let's talk about these songs just a little more. Not since Almost Famous has a soundtrack really been vital to a film or have left an imprint on your soul. Yes, the music is of the folk-pop persuasion very popular in the UK, as Ireland is where the story takes place. I lost count of all the times I was left tapping my feet to the rhythm and letting the music just take me away from my seat and away from the dark. But music can only do so much. As a fellow critic once said "Why should I see this movie when I can just get the soundtrack?" In Once, the reason is the beautifully simple story with complex emotions. It's in the splendid rapport that Mr. Hasnard and Ms. Irglova have. Considering that Mr. Hasnard is in fact not an actor, but a lead for the band The Frames, he shows a range of emotions I believe worthy of Oscar consideration. Ms. Irglova also doesn't have extensive acting work, and yet she glows with a radiance that makes us fall in love with her every time she comes onscreen. Director John Carney is new, and yet his simple approach to the material is the right move. There's no need for tricky camera work (I don't think he even had the budget for such things to begin with) and that the real fireworks are the music and the characters. In fact, I'm thinking he might be the pioneer of a new genre of narrative-driven musical dramas. I'd love to see what he would do on his next film. All in all, Once is a film that doesn't ask you to love it, but you'll find yourself falling head over heels without even thinking twice. It's too earnest, too sweet, too understanding of human nature to be cynical or pandering. It might not give us the ending we want, but it gives us the one we know is best. And who knows, the music has never left the movie. And where there's music, there's magic more powerful than sex could ever penetrate.

Best movie ever!! - Once Reviews

I can't tell you what an amazing experience it is to see this movie. Just go see it. Both main characters wrote and sung their own songs and it is the closest thing to a genuine love story I have every watched in a movie.

Movie of the year! - Once Reviews

Amazingly beautiful! This little indie stole the show at Sundance and will surely steal your heart. The songs will haunt you and the story will make you cry and smile in utter satisfaction.

Amazingly beautiful - Once Reviews

I've never written a review for movies, which is a shame because I always read them :) I had to write one for this movie. The story, and acting are amazing. The story is about a beautiful and pure but very realistic love. It was so touching and cute. In short, it's a must-see movie. It puts Hollywood movies even more to shame.

Just listen to the film - Once Reviews

There is no message. No violence. No CGI. No guns, knifes or explosions...Except maybe the explosion of music. This is a simple story of guy meeting girl. Guy and girl making music and the rest you will have to see. It is almsot to perfect on paper. I can see the big Hollywood studios wanting conflict, heartache, a car chase. Thank god for independent films. This is a great film go see it.

Special in every way - Once Reviews

I was lucky to have caught the trailer for "Once" during a movie preview. This movie hasn't been advertised as much as all the Hollywood sequels coming out. It was the music in the trailer that captured my attention. Music is indeed a powerful thing. It was then, that I told myself I had to see it. After seeing it, it was everything I thought it would be and more. The story is simple and it's been told before, but its execution is one that sets this movie apart from others. It's not a typical musical, but more like a long music video. It's a story that illustrates a moment in time that we can easily relate to. This movie has moments of humor and it's songs are so telling. Hansard is charming and Irglova is candid. Both are very talented musicians turned actors.The story shows a different kind of love, a friendship that provides confidence to steer the characters in the right direction for each of them which isn't always easy to do. The movie is sad, funny, real, everything that life is and it gives you hope. It's about a moment that happens in life that may not come by again or may not last forever, but it just might have the greatest impact on you. I know I'll be watching "Once" again.

Boy + girl and they + music in low budget charmer - Once Reviews

I doubt if I've seen a film more unabashedly romantic in the past five years, and this small-scale 2007 film is a musical to boot. Even with its Dublin-set working-class veneer, the story is basic boy-meets-girl formula, but director/screenwriter John Carney's real-world treatment manages to transcend the conventions, even if only fleetingly, through the aching pop ballads which make up most of the soundtrack and the sincerity of the two leads. The plot focuses on an Irish street musician who plays Van Morrison hits for change during the day but reverts to his original compositions at night. Written for a long-established girlfriend who has moved away to London, his open yearning and musicianship attracts the persistent attention of a young Czech girl. Despite his initial hesitation, they bond quickly over music. There is a lovely scene in a piano shop where he sings and plays his well-worn guitar to one of his songs, a stunning heartbreaker called "Falling Slowly", while she tentatively accompanies him on the piano. The story simply goes from one number to the next while uncovering facts about the characters that guide their fate. It's been sixteen years since his memorable turn as guitarist Outspan Foster in Alan Parker's "The Commitments", but Glen Hansard, lead singer of the Irish rock group, the Frames, plays the forlorn busker with a searching intensity befitting a man not only broken-hearted from a fading long-distance relationship but also worried he will end up repairing vacuum cleaners just like his stoic father. Markéta Irglová has the quirky, endearing quality necessary to play the girl. But as musicians whose compositions supply the soundtrack, their acting is secondary to the music they play. Hansard's deeply felt music immediately brings to mind Damien Rice's and David Gray's melancholy folk-rock ballads, while Irglová provides a nice complement with a voice similar to Bj?rk's plaintive style. I have to admit the low-budget production values (it was made for just $150K) does make itself clear with some shaky, hand-held shots and overly grainy film stock. But all in all, if you are a fan of any of the musicians mentioned and remain undemanding in cinematic storylines, chances are pretty good that you will enjoy this little film enormously.

Simple and yet outstanding - Once Reviews

If you have blood in your veins and like music this is the must see sleeper of the year. Won't be a sleeper for long. Was sold out when I saw it. May get a best film nod, best story nod, amd a best song for "falling away."

Breaking my review-less streak for this movie. - Once Reviews

During the summer of Hollywood Sequel Part 3, you won't find a more refreshing break from the commercial film industry than this. It's possible that Once would simply be charming if it weren't for the music. But the actors feel like old friends. The music reminds you of what "wanting" feels like. This is that time in your life when you felt a change coming, and you were torn. When you're finally done with the meticulously marketed CG films of the summer go see Once. You won't be dazzled with visuals, but you'll be inspired and perhaps you'll even find that piece of yourself you would've sworn was lost.

A modern musical - Once Reviews

"Once" is essentially about two people who meet, who are perfect for each other but at the same time they are both interested in other people, or they have other commitments to fulfill. It's not sad or depressing though and it's very low key. The low key part works to the movie's advantage because essentially the characters will be quiet and shy and then they'll start playing music or a song of some sort and it's just incredible. The music in this movie is absolutely what makes the movie. Everything else is quite good but the movie would've been lost and probably would've never been released if it hadn't been for it's incredible music. The movie has no action or sex or anything of the sort yet it's still very engrossing and interesting, the music scenes definetely being the most entertaining parts of the film. The music scenes also will generally reveal how the characters really feel about each other but its almost as if the characters dont even notice what they are saying. It's almost as if they are saying a soliloquy of some sort but in song form. Most people would not classify this movie as a musical, as I have done in the title of the review, and I can understand why. It's got interesting characters, a well written script, indie style low key direction, and no actual musical numbers. Personally I like the fact that there are no musical numbers because the music is good enough that it doesn't need fancy dancing, the actors simply playing it in a plain environment, such as a recording studio, or a music store and its still astounding, catching you off guard at times. I call it a "modern" musical because it's like nothing I've ever seen before, a new twist on the old fashioned musical. No musical numbers, no fancy photography, just an indie look with some great music, as well as that interesting soliloquy spin that I previously mentioned. This is a very good movie, and with the lack of good wide releases out right now, it's absolutely one that's worth looking for. It's different, original, funny, and beautiful. One that's romantic enough for girls to like, but it's not corny at all so it's also accesible for guys as well. A very good movie. See it if you can find it.

Moving, uplifting, inspiring, beautiful! - Once Reviews

A simple, winning film about the power of music to bring grandeur to ordinary life, and to magically create deep bonds - perhaps even love - between strangers. The actors are charmingly natural and understated, the story is told subtly, and spiked with good humor, but the core of the film is the series of heartfelt, passionately performed songs that bring these likable, aloof characters' feelings to life. One description of music is "the use of sound to stir the human soul", and this movie wonderfully captures the interplay between the strugles that make up a life and the music that emerges from it. Among many emotional peaks in this Irish film is a scene where people gather for dinner and drinks, and every guest must sing a song. You see and feel how music is an aspect of everyday life and expression, something we all have within us, rather than a show that's presented on a stage. Charming characters, poor visuals, wonderful sound. A film that plays like it is about the best aspects of real life.

Sundance spectacular - Once Reviews

My wife and I saw this film at Sundance and could not wait to recommend it once it was released in theaters. Great movie! Got a chance to meet the director and lead actors in a Q & A. Very down to Earth people. The director purposely hired musicians instead of actors for their respective roles to uncomplicate the realism of the film. For those interested in a bit of trivia. Glen Hansard was the long-haired redhead guitarist from another great film, The Commitments. Definitely go see Once!

By far the best film of 2007! - Once Reviews

This film is simply the best and most moving picture of the year. It's authentic story and acting moved me beyond words. The soundtrack is amazing. Do yourself a favor and see this film.

Once, twice...it doesn't matter,,, - Once Reviews

,,, how often you see this movie. Go see it. If you don't like people singing about their feelings, this movie is not for you. An older couple got up and left in the middle of the movie. I heard the lady say something about too much singing. Hello! This is a musical. The only reason it received the R-rating is because of the use of the "f"word. If that doesn't bother you, there is nothing else inappropriate in case your teens want to see the film. Although if I'm honest, I think most teens would find this film boring. I think the audience needs to have lived, loved, and lost to really, fully appreciate this film. The two leads were fantastic. Enjoyable film in a summer of sequal-hell.

Astounding. a brilliant movie with great music - Once Reviews

I saw this amazing film a month ago at a film festival and was amazed. It is moving, touching, funny, and filled with GREAT music. I have been counting the days until I can see it again. It is really that good. This is a special kind of movie that only comes along "once" (ha!) in a great while, so if you have the chance to see it, DO NOT miss it. This is easily the best movie musical or movie about the creative process of the last 10 years (maybe more). A real treat.