Once

"4.75⭐️ Rewatch still exceptional! Intimate, low-key and bittersweet, this is one for musicians and music lovers. Even as the indie hey day was reaching its tail end, ONCE caused a critical and commercial stir, with the song, ‘Falling Slowly’ going on to win an Oscar back when best song winners were generally pretty cheesy. Hansard and Irglova are both the real deal, a couple irl at the time and musical collaborators as The Swell Season (Hansard also a member of The Frames). This film is achingly pure and their chemistry authentic and palpable. The musical connection between them so electric you can almost see sparks forming during the first collaboration at the music store, when in that moment they feel it too. Literal CHILLS. In the vagaries of filmmaking it almost didn’t come to fruition, relegated to the dustpile. For a movie that shouldn’t exist something truly extraordinary does. For indie aficionados who haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore and I doubt they will again. "

"+ This is an example of how a small movie, made for nearly nothing, and starring a group of unknowns, can yield work with such immense beauty and intimacy. I see Once as a pure love story that doesn't get caught in the trappings of romantic platitudes. It features two characters whose love exists for each other whether or not they end up together. They are believable in ways not many romantic-drama characters are. You feel as if you could bump into them in the city and have a cup of coffee with them and talk for hours about music and life. That authenticity is rare in movies. It's as if the movie is about them composing a living song in the form of a friendship and musical partnership. This whole movie feels like that. It's a love letter to its audience, building a bridge with heartwarming, heartbreaking, and life-affirming music. John Carney has done two other wonderful movies, but this is the only one that feels like it was made with nothing more than a few dollars and a lot of heart. For the little amount of money that must have been spent on this and the lack of big name actors, the filmmakers created a work of art with a simple, heartwarming goodness more valuable than any of that. Also, the music is great all on its own. One of those rare cases where the songs are all originals and could be enjoyed even if you never see the film itself. Once is a real gift. One of my favorite musical movies and love stories I have ever seen. - Not worth listing. Overall: A small love story that yields immense beauty and joy and produces one of the best soundtracks ever in a movie. It proves without a doubt that you need very little to produce a great work of art. Inspiring in so many ways. I hope you give it a look and you enjoy it! Also, I welled up. I love when any work of art brings that out. 🙂"

"Such a great movie, normally I can't sit still for so long.. but I was swept away in this kinda romance.."

"Love at first song - Perfectly balanced and bittersweet. A week of their lives will stay with you forever ❤️"

"Beautiful tale of a personal connection that springs from a musical connection. And the music by Glen Hansard really drives this movie. At times sad and wistful, it’s still engrossing. For something more uptempo try Sing Street, a more conventional musical about ‘80s rock, also by director John Carney (a former bandmate of Hansard). "

"songs are really good"

"One of my favorite movies. Sweet and sad yet somehow hopeful. Messy like real life. Gorgeous, haunting music. "

"An unusual little musical romance - worth checking out!"

"Perfect movies do exist. Hooked from the first scene; a perfect soundtrack with truly talented actors/singers to match. Watched it too many times to count. Simply one of the best most original and realistic musicals you will ever see. It’s like a moment in time of two people finding their truths…❤️"

"Oscar winning for a reason. The songs in this film are special. The simple narrative is executed so well that the actors were sometimes asked if it was a documentary. It’ll raise your spirits, break your heart, and have you humming for days. "