Hollywood executives wouldn't like it, but viewers will!

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2007)

"Once" is worth seeing, perhaps even worth owning, if only for the music. (Note: Take Dramamine before viewing if you easily contract motion sickness, as the camera is hand-held for most of the film). Markéta Irglová's character (the Girl) is friendly, open-tempered and penetrating - a good contrast to Glen Hansard's portrayal of the melancholic, brooding, jilted lover (the Boy). This not a Hollywood formulaic film - from the hand-held camera, to using musicians rather than actors, to the realistic way the characters relate to each other - all these things are why I love this film. And I believe that viewers will find it a refreshing change from most Hollywood tripe. Must see this film...more than once!