Once you watch this vibrant, melodious film, you'll probably want to see it twice or even more times

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2013)

An Irish busker (Glen Handsard) has had his heart broken. The lady in question moved to London and now he sings on the street corner, belting out songs of love gone wrong. Its not his only job, as he works part time repairing "hoovers" at his dad's Dublin shop, which is also their abode. One day, on a Dublin street, a beautiful young lady stops and is so captivated by his performance. She gives him ten cents, which he laughs about, but the truth is, she is not wealthy. A Czech immigrant, this girl (Marketa Inglova) sells flowers on the street while her mother takes care of her young daughter. Yet, she also plays the piano and sings, which is why she is enchanted by the busker. Soon, when she learns he fixes vacuum cleaners, she brings her's to his shop and, later, the two stop in at a musical instruments store, where the owner knows her. Together, these two begin to make beautiful music together. But, there are problems. When the guy makes a pass at her, she tells him about her estranged husband, back in the Czech Republic, and her daughter. Meanwhile, the guy tells her about his former flame. Continuing to see each other and, finally, making a recording as a duo, is a platonic relationship really all there is to be? This lovely, very melodious movie is a gem. You may want to see it more than once! Hansard is already an established Irish singer, whose soulful ballads are a modern update of Irish folksongs. Inglova, too, is very talented and, together, they are dynamite. No matter that neither one is an actor, their work here is touching and true. Then, too, the scenes around Dublin are most beautiful while the photography is great as well. A good deal of the tunes are played while either the guy or the gal is walking, shopping, or otherwise engaged, making it different from other traditional musicals. Costumes, script and direction are all wonderful as well. So, here's the advice. Get Once at once!