The best modern music film

Rating: 10/10 (23 August 2012)

This independent Irish film is an extraordinary achievement. The performances, the direction and especially the musical score are amazing. One of the best things about the film was that it felt very real. It portrays reality as it is without over-dramatization. This realistic tone along with the moving performances of both lead actors make the audience relate to the characters and their own personal struggles.
What I liked the most about the film was the musical score. It's very beautiful and it fits perfectly to the movie. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová make a great duo. Their musical performances transmit what the characters are feeling in a very sincere way. It doesn't feel forced like in other similar music films. The cinematography is very far from perfect. Most shots have a home-made style. In most films I would criticize this, but in this one it fits the plot and tone perfectly. The cinematography compliments the realistic tone of the movie to the point it doesn't feel like a movie anymore and you completely get immersed in the plot.
Everything in this movie (the performances, the direction, cinematography, music and plot) fits together perfectly and sets the mood for the story. There are quite a few moving moments in the film that almost everyone can identify with. And the ending is very real, relatable; in my opinion, it's perfect. It leaves you wanting for more, but at the same it leaves you satisfied.
Once is a beautiful film that mirrors real life along with its ups and downs almost perfectly. I give it a 10/10 and would recommend it for everyone. Even if you don't like this type of movies you will love the musical score and performances by both the lead actors. This movie is a proof that you don't need a big budget to make an extraordinary film.