Once Reviews

I saw "Once" today without knowing anything about it--save that it was logged as "an Irish Musical". This was the most original movie I have ever seen. I am not sure it would qualify as a musical in the most literal sense--but the tracks in the movie are extremely powerful. The basic premise is that a struggling musician is performing in the street in Ireland and meets a young woman who inspires him to form a band and record a demo at a nearby studio. Their relationship develops into mostly a friendship with romantic undertones. They form an unlikely pair as he is pining for an ex… read full review »

In the mythology of ancient Greece, a group of nine goddesses were believed to be source of all human creative processes. Anyone who believes in the power these muses have can see how these muses touch two young Dubliners in Once, a movie musical inspired by their real lives and talents. A singer who is identified in the credits as just Guy (Glen Hansard) is a busker on Dublin's Grafton Street, performing songs both day and night. He plays songs known by some of the shoppers during store business hours, but also performs original material in the evening, when most of the shops have closed for… read full review »

I just saw this charming Irish film on DVD because it had been highly recommended to me by everyone I knew who had seen it.  I couldn't imagine a movie musical being anything other than the musical films of the  1940's and '50's where people break into song at the most improbable moments.  But in this film the music is generic to the development of the plot and is always appropriate in context.   Before I go any further I do want to warn you that the dialogue in the opening scenes is very hard to understand because of the thick accents. But don't be… read full review »

My wife and I saw this movie last night and ran into two other couples that were there.  The three women really liked it and there was a split decision among the guys.  I really enjoyed the movie but I also can see how it is not for everyone.  It was a little slow and did not follow the traditional formula of a Hollywood romance.  Does the guy get the girl?  Do they hit the big time?  You will have to see it to find out.... — Once is a story about two struggling musicians who have ordinary day jobs fixing vacuum cleaners and selling flowers.  What… read full review »

If ever there was a movie that illustrated the quote, "People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime," it's Once, an Irish independent feature that has already won the World Cinema Audience Award Dramatic at Sundance, and is now being released in the U.S. — — The most unique part of the Once is that throughout the movie, we really feel we get to know the guy and the girl, what motivates them, etc., but we never learn their names. Even if you look up the movie on its official site or on imdb.com, there is no listing of their character names, just The Guy and… read full review »

                                             'Once Soars!' —     "Once" proves once and for all that the movie musical doesn't have to be conventional   or dazzle you with bravado. This is a touching and heartbreaking movie that I will never forget. Director John Carney and his cast have given us memorable and warm… read full review »

A friend and I were planning to see the Edith Piaff film which was not held over but decided to try "Once", uncertain as to what was coming. I learned later that the success of the film was almost accidental at the Sundance Movie Festival. I half expected something tragic to happen since the plot was so simple and their only driving theme was to record a CD. I wish I had known nothing dire would come about so I could have just sat back and enjoyed it for the force of character coming from their talent and love of music.  I was heart-warming to see them succeed, especially to see him… read full review »

— Can a man and a woman have a platonic friendship? The suspense is enhanced by a movie that is more musical than many musicals: these amateur actors are portraying real people who simply sing for the thrill of making music and sharing camaraderie. — — If you haven't heard of the Irish band The Frames yet, you'll be a fan after seeing this movie. The lead singer, Glen Hansard, stars as a street musician with big dreams and a broken heart in this lovely low-budget flick. The minimalist filmmaking only enhances the marginal lives of the songwriter and the immigrant street… read full review »

One of the best movies I have seen in a long time. The music is beautiful, and the style and story were interesting and different.  The characters are well developed and complex, and very easy to care about.  The genre is somewhat misleading - it is musical, but unlike most musicals.  The music is an integral part of the movie, and it flows very easily.  At no time did I think 'that wouldn't happen in real life.'  Finally, it was fun that we never learn the names of the characters.  What a wonderful and fun movie! … read full review »

Charming, about people who seem far more real than most we find in movies and TV. — — I appreciated the fact that the characters could feel satisfied and accomplished without designer clothes, over-priced cars and jewelry. Their happiness wasn't dependent upon acquiring something that was somehow exclusive. Not everyone could do what they did, but then not everyone would want to. —… read full review »

This was the best movie I have seen in a long time and the music was great to boot.  I actually wentout and bought the CD (I actually paid for it).  Watch this if you get a… read full review »