Classic! Bloody brilliant Irish film-making.

Rating: 10/10 (23 February 2008)

Had James Joyce written and directed a musical, it could have been Once. Not only because this film is Irish and that the two lovers are both Dubliners, but this cinematic gem is definitely the most believable musical made in film. The actors do not break into song and dance numbers; there are no artificial and spectacular props in the background and grand historically accurate costumes that steal our attentions; and there are no special effects whatsoever. Everything in Once is stripped to its quintessence. The characters are real, very human--the cinematography gives a realistic tone with its hushed and raw images of authentic Dublin and its citizens. The performances are amazing--passionate and moving. And most importantly, the story zaps us back to reality without sacrificing important thrusts on the realm of human relationships.
The characters are nameless. The Guy is a gifted singer and composer who earns part-time singing in the streets. He sings about his failed relationship. One night, the Girl finds him belting out his emotions with his guitar while nobody pays attention to his song; she is very much impressed. She happens to be a daughter of someone who used to play in an orchestra. She knows good music when she sees--rather--hears it. The following day, they meet again, and she plays the piano for him. Then, they sing a song together, "Falling Slowly." The Girl inspires the Guy to get his groove back. The Guy falls slowly for her. And the Girl does for him, too, though not obviously. But then, they are both tied to their past--and when they sing, they sing of their past relationships.
The tagline of the movie probably sets us in the mood: How often do you find the right person? Does the film's title answer this?
According to IMDb.com Trivia section, "the title refers to the many very talented artists that John Carney (the director) knew who put off their career by saying 'once' they get this and that sorted out, but never succeed because they've put it off too long. This describes the lead character, The Guy."
The Girl gives him his inspiration. This is the 'Once' which the Guy has been waiting for in a long time. Then, they made music. Brilliant music.
Classic musicals have three aspects that made them classics: an immediate LSS inducing- repertoire, an addictive vibe that makes you want to watch the movie more than three times in a week, and memorable songs which you will memorize eventually. Once has all of these qualities... which is paradoxical if you consider the title of the movie and all of these habit- engendering aspects.