This was one of the most unique movies that I have seen in a long time. "Once" isn't so much a movie as it is a snapshot of two people's lives over the course of a few days. The movie begins with a man playing guitar on the streets of Dublin for money. He is approached by a foreign girl who asks him about his music. The two then begin an odd kind of relationship that I will not get into as it may spoil the movie.

The unique part of the movie is that it is partially told through song - both songs that they had written separately and together. I know, you're probably thinking that it is a full-length version of "Cop Rock". No, it is actually very well done and the music seems to slip right in to the movie.

The leads are real-life musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová and they make up the duo The Swell Season. Hansard is the lead singer of the Irish band The Frames and met Irglová when he was touring the Czech Republic. They kept in touch over the years (she was 13 when they met) and eventually they started to tour together. The two won an Oscar for their song "Falling Slowly" and their Oscar moment is memorable because the band mistakenly started to play as she was about to start her part of the acceptance speech.

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I was supposed to see this before I went to see Begin Again but I didn't had the time. I heard a lot of people saying that this film was great but I for no special reason I had not seen it before.

One of the most beautiful and honest films I have ever seen! I was completely overwhelmed with the love and dedication that was put forth by John Carney in this little (but very big) project that manages to carry so much with so little!

Once is a very simple and heartfelt story demonstrating a huge love for music, which makes sense. A world without music would not be the same and is due to the love for music that the two central characters in this story will cross their paths.

A street musician with a huge talent, plays every day in the streets of Dublin. At the beginning we get the idea that he is just another one looking to earn some extra money, singing and playing a few songs... But we quickly realize that the main reason why does it is not for the money but for the pleasure of giving music to others, dreaming of someday becoming a professional musician. On a day like any other he meets a girl, who not like most people that pass through him every day, really pays attention to what he does. And there begins to grow a beautiful musical and emotional relationship between the two.

The film is shot in documentary style which given the history gives you a whole more intimate air, almost like it was supposed to walk side by side with the characters. Its pretty raw but instead of giving it an amateur look, can make it into something even more special. The original soundtrack of this film is absolutely delicious. Great tracks, and all illustrate perfectly every feeling, every emotion, every moment that we are seeing.

The performances are very realistic and heartfelt. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová did a great job playing these two beautiful characters. I am very happy to know that these two talented musicians won the Academy Award for Best Original Song - "Falling Slowly" - in 2007.

Once is not just a film for all lovers of music, is a film that everyone should see! Simple, without any presumption or requirement. Just want to touch the heart of any human being that values ​​emotion.

I loved Begin Again but I think I loved this one even more! Keep up with the great work Mr. John Carney!

I just cannot see the hype about this one.
Generally, I consider a good screen love story if you can "fall in love" alongside the characters, understand their mutual need, getting caught on in their chemistry, affinity of minds or soul. It goes for any relationship really: friendships, family...
Here you can feel it as they play together, just the 2 of them before fixing the vacuum cleaner - but that's about it. There's no "spiritual"/mental one as a Before Sunrise, no "first love" as a Normal People, no escape from loneliness as in Brokeback Mountain, no prolonged musical affinity as a Begin Again or even A star is born, no "finding each other in a dull world" as in Carol... I could have seen it in exactly the same way, without the romantic part. Just as two strangers finding themselves through the creation of an album. Or, even more shockingly, without any kind of relationship involved: just the struggle of a musician to get on with his music and his life.
No nuances, no shades.
I feel most of the positive reviews are affected by getting emotionally carried away with the music part and the camera in hand style: but if you look beyond - to writing, silences, intimacy, acting... even to the simple feelings from the relationship and not the songs, it's quite disappointing.
Totally different movie, but I got the same lack of emotion in The Spectacular Now, as a comparison (even by loving Woodley and Teller's portrayal and skills)

Perfection and I fell slowly in love with this film.

Challenge: Make an Indy hit with a tiny budget; "no name" actors in there; and use actors with no or limited acting experience. Have the plot be basic (Guy meets Girl early on), but realistic. Keep the characters relatable and add humour. Now make it a musical with at least 10 tracks. Oh and also, make sure an Oscar is won.

THIS is just what this movie achieved and Im blown away by it.

Hansard and Irglova are so believable in their roles, I didnt know they had such limited act experience. And the music they make together is glorious, heart felt and raw.

This is the modern-day musical that people should watch. Not the over-rated Hamilton, or self indulgent La-La Land, or the tragedy that is Cats.

This is just: love, music, people.

And I love it (despite the tears it brings).

(And reading up on this, I teared up again - There is a moment towards the end of the movie when Guy asks Girl whether she loves her husband. Girl responds, "No. I love you" (her response is unsubtitled), so Guy does not understand her).

If you have a heart and love being moved by movies, watch this. WATCH THIS ASAP.

Not done with the 1st month of 2017 when I saw this but this is officially my first new fave movie to watch this year. It has been on my ‘films to watch’ list for like a while after watching **Sing Street** - another **John Carney** film. And i did like his other film **Begin Again **(love the song Lost Stars). All have similar themes…not just music, but the process of making music.

**I love the simplicity of Once** - feels more raw and natural (than Sing Steet and Begin Again). And the songs are really beautiful. I have been listening to it everyday. My top 2 favorite scenes are: Falling Slowly (video above) at the music shop - instant connection through music! Doesn’t have to be a love story between the guy and the girl, just relate and connect for their love for making music. Second one would be the recording studio scene: When Your Mind’s Made Up. I love how the guy who’s ‘pressing the buttons’ was like meh just here to work with whatever wannabee band, and then when they start to play he’s like…what is this? this is actually good - support! And from there it’s just something magical for all of them, that you know these musicians are in their element and will remember it for the rest of their lives, doing something that they are all so passionate about. Everyone inside the studio - just very endearing characters.

Well I love the whole film so all the scenes are great. My favorite emotional song, Lies. It’s so powerful and heartbreaking, I think most relateable scene as well.

Just might replace Garden State as my background film to play when I am doing something else, just to hear it. A must see for musicians and just music lovers like me.