Product Description: A serendipitous meeting on the streets of Dublin between a down on his luck Irish street performer and a poor Czech immigrant sparks a bond that plays out in this hip modern day music film. ONCE follows the two as they write rehearse and record the songs that reveal their unique love story.System Requirements:Run time: 86 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/LOVE & ROMANCE Rating: R UPC: 024543477594 Manufacturer No: 2247759
Amazon.com: Winner of the World Audience Award at Sundance, Once starts out as a small-scale romance, like Before Sunrise, before arriving somewhere unexpected. An Irish busker (Glen Hansard, the Frames and The Commitments) meets a Czech flower seller (Markéta Irglová) while singing on the streets of Dublin. (In the credits, they're listed as Guy and Girl.) She likes what she hears and lets him know. Turns out she's a musician, too. They work on a few songs together and a friendship is forged. She lives with her widowed mother, who doesn't speak English. He lives with his widowed father, who owns a repair shop. Since he broke up with his girlfriend, the guy has been drifting, unable and unwilling to get his life in order. The girl encourages him to pursue a record deal, and the guy emerges from his funk. Then he makes a move on the girl, who rejects his advances. He's confused, but as he comes to find, there's a reason she's keeping her distance. Though Once is filled with appealing folk-pop by Hansard and Irglová (released on CD as The Swell Season), the movie isn't a traditional musical, but rather a more optimistic Brief Encounter. Filmmaker John Carney, Hansard's former bandmate, captures the real city--in all its affluence and poverty--rather than the picture postcard version. His beautifully shot film serves as a heartfelt ballad about all the underclass Guys and Girls swept aside amidst Ireland's economic miracle. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Beautiful love story peppered with songs When an Irish street musician meets a young Czech flower seller on the streets or (unknown) city in Ireland, they strike an easy friendship. Their initial conversation is spontaneous and not restrained. Soon they learn they are both musicians who can play guitar and piano and also sing a duet without much practice. Their musical education differs (he seems to be self-thought, while she is classically tranied pianist), and so does their social status but that is not barrier to their mutual musical creative force. Their professional relationship grows thru their mutual respect for their musical talent but soon they are falling for each other emotionally to. He has been hurt before with disasterous consequences it seems, while she has had her own share of misfortune of a different kind. Can these two be together? See the movie and make a decision for yourself! The real treasure of this movie is young Marketa Irglova. Her wide open eyes transcent innocence and purity that is rarely seen on film. While Glen Hansard sometimes seems like he is trying too hard to make people love his music, Marketa's mere presence in the film, her subdued singing and performing give this little movie a real spark. Without Marketa this movie simply could not exist.
remarkable singing, astonishing accomplishment The movie is mediocre, but the accomplishment astounding and the soundtrack so beautiful that it'll make your heart soar and your soul sing. This is truly an indie film and should be enjoyed only in the content of such (don't expect big-budget explosions or even good lighting from the two handheld cameras that this was shot with).
My vote of confidence Once is about a guy who sings on the street of Dublin for change and otherwise he works at his dad's repair show for hoovers or vaccum cleaners. I'd like to remind you that Dublin is not known for it's street side singing and neither are folks who sing duets in trend. I like the actor's voice and I like how he subtly they show him showing off his art whether on the bus or on streets or simply near a pond. He meets this girl who was just walking by hearing him sing. Much taken by her art, she decides to play piano and add subtle vocals to his lonely melodies. The guy and girl together record their demo tapes and the jamming bit was just excellent. I like how much heart the guy carried and it is not a film to be forgotten and is somewhat of a class act in it's own right. Similar films would include Darjeeling Limited and I don't know why I think it's very different at the same times. An easy 8/10.
instant classic when you first watch the movie, you may be thrown by the camera work and rough editing techniques. However, as you continue to watch you realize that this just adds to the personal nature of the film. It is truly a beautiful work of art, from the music to the overall atmosphere created by the story intertwined with the Irish culture and environment. This movie will be cherished for years to come as a genuine, emotion driven film of relationships, about recognizing the miracles in daily life. Highly recommend it. Plus, Amazon is always reliable and the ordering process is a breeze...
I lasted about a half an hour. I know the majority of people that have previously reviewed this picture have given it stellar marks. I'm sorry folks, I tried and I just couldn't get through it. Maybe it's my fault and a "male thing" but I'm more than willing to cop to that. Let's face it... I'm not that deep and I must not be in touch with my feminine side.
The music started off pleasant enough in Once and eventually it wore me down along with the slow pace of the film. I always give a flick at least a half an hour and I barely made it with this one. The music just hurt the film and my ability to stick with it.
The other thing is that it is purely a "chick flick". My wife and daughter doted on every word and nuance. If you're female and want a love story, this may be for you. If you're a guy, let her watch it alone.
Bottom line: This is not a movie for guys who like guy's films. You pray for action, laughs and intrigue... you get none. "Once" is a more than appropriate title when it comes to this viewer... never again.
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