Once

"+ 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. 🙂"

"Last movie as love at first song. Perfectly balanced, perfectly bittersweet. And the music will stay with you forever ❤️"

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

"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). "

"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…❤️"

"I loved the music and the interaction of the characters. It was very life like, as if you were witness to a moment in these people’s lives where they created something amazing. "

"Gem of a movie….honest and genuine!"

"A truly original Dublin romance with great songs. About a street musician whose heart has been broken and his journey back through music and a new friend."