🎞️ The Highlight Reel
U.S. Release Date
May 16, 2007
Rotten Tomatoes
🍅 97% (Certified Fresh)
Where to Watch
Rent/Buy on Apple TV, Amazon, Vudu
Official Synopsis
A modern-day musical set on the streets of Dublin. A vacuum repairman moonlighting as a busker and a Czech immigrant discover a powerful connection through the songs they write and perform together over the course of one eventful week.
Cast & Crew Information
- Director: John Carney
- Cast: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová
- Music By: Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
- Label: Summit Entertainment
"I have to admit, I didn’t rush to see Once when it first came out. At the time, it looked like just another indie film that might come and go, and I incorrectly assumed it was merely a romantic comedy or a typical 'chick flick.' With an unknown cast, it simply wasn't on my radar. However, after witnessing Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová steal the show at the Oscars, I decided to give it a shot—and I am so glad I did.
It is, quite simply, one of the best films I’ve ever seen. It is a truthful, moving story that feels like catching lightning in a bottle. With incredible music and zero 'Hollywood bullshit,' it is pure, touching art that stays with you long after the credits roll. I have since returned to the film periodically, and it still moves me just as deeply as the first time I saw it.
While the music is undeniably world-class, the underlying story of unfulfilled romantic love is what makes it so profoundly human. This is easily one of the greatest movie musicals ever made. Its legacy is so strong that it even inspired an award-winning Broadway play that continues to speak to audiences today. Director John Carney has since gone on to create other fantastic films like Sing Street, Begin Again, and Flora and Son—all of which I highly recommend checking out after you’ve experienced the magic of Once." - ( First reviewed on 3/9/2008)
It is, quite simply, one of the best films I’ve ever seen. It is a truthful, moving story that feels like catching lightning in a bottle. With incredible music and zero 'Hollywood bullshit,' it is pure, touching art that stays with you long after the credits roll. I have since returned to the film periodically, and it still moves me just as deeply as the first time I saw it.
While the music is undeniably world-class, the underlying story of unfulfilled romantic love is what makes it so profoundly human. This is easily one of the greatest movie musicals ever made. Its legacy is so strong that it even inspired an award-winning Broadway play that continues to speak to audiences today. Director John Carney has since gone on to create other fantastic films like Sing Street, Begin Again, and Flora and Son—all of which I highly recommend checking out after you’ve experienced the magic of Once." - ( First reviewed on 3/9/2008)
Recommendation
The Melodic Connection
If you loved the raw, musical storytelling of Begin Again, Sing Street, or the acoustic intimacy of Inside Llewyn Davis, Once is the gold standard of the genre.
🎸 The Swell Season & LorE
- The film was shot on a shoestring budget of only $150,000 over 17 days.
- Glen Hansard is the lead singer of the Irish band The Frames; Marketa Irglova was a musician he met while touring.
- The "Falling Slowly" Oscar win was a huge upset, leading to one of the most heartfelt acceptance speeches in history.
- Director John Carney used natural light and hand-held cameras to give the film its "documentary-style" intimacy.
✨ Broadway Spotlight
The Tony Award-Winning Sensation🎭 The Production
- ⭐ Tony Sweep: The musical won 8 Tony Awards in 2012, including Best Musical and Best Actor.
- ⭐ The Set: The entire play takes place in an Irish Pub. Before the show and during intermission, the audience can actually go on stage and buy drinks!
- ⭐ No Orchestra: Just like the film, there is no pit band. Every actor on stage plays their own instruments throughout the night.
🎶 Melodic Shifts
- ⭐ Cristin Milioti: Before she was the "Mother" in How I Met Your Mother, she originated the role of "Girl" on Broadway.
- ⭐ Expanded Music: While "Falling Slowly" remains the centerpiece, the musical includes songs from Glen Hansard's band, The Frames.
- ⭐ Global Hit: After Broadway, the show became a massive hit in London’s West End, winning the Olivier Award.
"Leave it to the Irish to make a heartbreak feel like a celebration."
End of Reel — Lucky 13 Reviews
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