Charming (!) little film

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2015)

I didn't really know what to expect from Once, a film that my girlfriend and I quickly picked out as lighter viewing from the slightly Hollywood rom-com esque DVD case. I went into the film with basically no conception of what it was going to be about, and didn't really know it was a 'musical'. Perhaps if I had I wouldn't have gone for it which would have been a real shame.
I don't know whether it's because Hansard and Irglova are effectively playing themselves (and within their own musical comfort zone) but the grittiness alongside the musical chemistry (chemistry that all happens rather quickly!) makes the film.
I hesitate to use the word charming, as I'm sure it has been written in about 99% of all the critic and user reviews, but it really is a lovely little film that feels like it (and did) cost almost nothing to make. Definitely give it a try if you like acoustic music or films that meander along, like myself!