Once Reviews

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 discouraged.  Keep watching because the...

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 the...

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 I liked about the movie is that it did not...

                                             '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 characters and music with heart. The experience is quietly beautiful and there were many moments that choked me up.

     No one breaks out into song and no one starts a long production number. This is a musical about two people who...