Heartfelt, no-budget musical

Rating: 6/10 (22 July 2014)

ONCE is a great little film about two characters who may or may not be falling in love on the streets of Dublin, and a film that deservedly won an Oscar for its music. Most of the feelings and emotions are explored through the music here, giving this film a novel and fresh feel.
I don't really watch romantic films and I actively despise the romantic comedy genre, but I can confirm that this is a low-key and touching little movie that successfully avoids the pitfalls of its genre. I particularly liked the raw, naturalistic feel of the production, and the fact that the two main actors aren't actually actors (they're musicians instead) makes it even more remarkable.
Really, though, ONCE is a film that's all about the music and director John Carney is happy to stand back and let the tunes take centre stage. Everything, from the storyline to the style, takes second place to the music, and while few of the songs are as good as the one that won the Oscar, the way that the subject matter is handled and celebrated with undeniable enthusiasm means that this is a film that you can really get behind and enjoy.