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Once

Once

2007
Romance
Drama
1h 26m
A modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin. Featuring Glen Hansard from the Irish band "The Frames," the film tells the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. (Fox Searchlight) - Original Irish Release 2006
Your probable score
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Once

2007
Romance
Drama
1h 26m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 63.08% from 3767 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3767)
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Rated 23 Nov 2007
70
84th
I'm not sure Once is a musical, there is no choreography or juxtaposition of music with the imagery. It is about music and music keeps flowing as the scene changes. Calling it dogme would be more accurate with the handheld camerawork, lack of artificial lighting and sound recording on stage. Nothing special or creative going on, it is just that...sincerity.
Rated 14 Dec 2007
90
91st
This is the musical I've been hoping would be made for the longest time. The story is very intriguing, everything comes off extremely natural, and the music is nothing short of spectacular. A lot of the times the hand held nature of it bothered me, notably during longer still shots that should have just used a tripod. In the end, I was really happy for the characters and would love to see more movies just like this.
Rated 21 Apr 2010
96
97th
The movie has a voyeuristic quality to it that really adds to the experience. At no point did I feel like I was watching a film, but rather that I was peering in on two real people. I found myself so absorbed by these characters that I didn't even notice they didn't have names until after it finished. Hansard's songs are wonderful, and he has an amazing voice. Irglova recalls many girls I have known who've made me forget my baggage and believe in love again. An honest, relatable, excellent film.
Rated 12 Dec 2007
9
90th
A musical with a remarkable soundtrack and a genuine, heartfelt chemistry between the two leads, one you don't see in movies anymore.
Rated 16 Nov 2007
85
83rd
A fantastic movie, very Brief Encounter-y and with similarly great music.
Rated 11 Feb 2009
84
81st
A "love story" that's not REALLY about the kind of love we normally see on the screen. It's a pleasant, understated snapshot of two people drawn together at an important time in their respective lives, and how they inspire each other to pursue improbable second chances. The music's a little overrated, but works. The ending was exactly what I wanted to see. Perhaps my favorite scenes were of Hansard and his movie dad. The dad's in the movie for about 5 minutes, but he was great..fantastic scenes.
Rated 01 May 2010
80
78th
It has a simple premise and the plot isn't exactly what I would call great. But the amazing soundtrack and the palpably real chemistry between the two leads elevate this film into a sweet and heartbreaking love story, and a completely unpretentious one.
Rated 11 Mar 2008
84
77th
A sweet film about the creative process with a light touch of romance. Most of the film consists of songs playing over montages, which I usually hate, but because of the film's content it actually works and is incredibly effective. It's all very simple but enjoyable.
Rated 05 Oct 2007
75
82nd
doesn't really work as a romance. but it's a nice film about music itself. I liked the whole recording sequence at the studio and the car test afterwards...
Rated 25 Mar 2019
73
71st
The movie is interesting because it's almost painfully earnest, but also feels like a fairy tale. I usually wouldn't think of those two qualities blending well together in a single piece of art, so this has a very original feel to it. I liked, but did not love, the music. Since the music is 90% of this movie, how you feel about the music is more or less how you'll probably feel about the film overall.
Rated 27 Oct 2008
85
80th
Cheesy, but the chemistry is so real in this movie.
Rated 06 Jan 2008
89
73rd
Starts out weak; especially the first 20 minutes. But boy does it hook you and deliver by the time it's over...
Rated 20 Jul 2009
4
96th
A musical in which the music and songs actually fit into the reality of the film--the two characters being musicians allows them to sing and perform without breaking the narrative. Very sweet with a great ending.
Rated 26 Dec 2007
86
63rd
This one is all about the music. Without it, the story would not be as strong as it is.
Rated 07 Aug 2015
100
98th
I nearly didn't watch this because it was labelled as a 'Musical'. What a tragedy that would have been! Once combines a simple story with amazing music and manages to lift the viewer. Watch it. Now. No, seriously. Watch it now.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
80
76th
This score almost entirely goes towards the soundtrack, 'cause the movie, while not bad, ain't all that special.
Rated 31 Jan 2008
55
39th
The music is catchy (even though every fucking song sounded the same). Ultimately a pretty useless film. To it's credit, it's actually a very earnest film. I didn't dislike it for what it was, it's simply not my kind of movie.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
86
92nd
The music and performances created by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova are so fresh, and sweet, and heartbreaking that they make Once a film that can't be missed.
Rated 18 Jul 2008
93
98th
beautiful story, perfect ending. The docu style camera work can make it a little tiring to watch sometimes, but its not a problem
Rated 22 Sep 2007
50
33rd
The songs aren't as poetic or as moving as everybody in the movie acts like they are. Also, I might have liked it better if I could better parse those thick frigging accents
Rated 13 Jul 2008
96
99th
I don't think I can put into words just how happy this made me. Simple, yet utterly, heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
Rated 29 Sep 2007
84
82nd
Musics get you. Forget the lyrics.. they are not "that" amazing... but for me a song is essentially come from instruments and I'm sucker for this Irish guitar and this flawless piano. The first song in the studio.. "When your mind's made up".. makes one feel some buried or forgotten feelings or I don't know.. I mean to say that there is no need to be "poetic". I may say that even mediocre words make it a better movie more realistic..
Rated 15 Mar 2010
55
49th
I don't subscribe to the philosophy 'if you can't say it sing it', and even if I did, this formulaic love story doesn't have a whole lot to say. What starts out as a possibly touching romance from the lower class, ends up being a musical with only three songs, repeated again and again and again. And so, even if there are disarming moments between the instantly likeable characters, if you play the movie backwards, the lyrics goes: Buy the cd! It's in stores now!
Rated 06 Sep 2014
81
79th
That dude is really sad.
Rated 16 Jan 2008
7
84th
An hugely charming evolution of the musical, shattering formula and giving us two very likable characters in the process. Some of the musical sequences last a little too long and some of the shots are a little shaky, but in pure (albeit quiet and subtle) emotional impact, it's impeccable.
Rated 09 Jan 2008
90
95th
As one of my kumpels had said before me in his review: 'it is just that...sincerity". The car test part made me smile as I do audio mastering and perform the same final test :)
Rated 27 Jun 2010
99
99th
Lovely and inspirational. The film beautifully captures the spirit of creativity and the joy of collaboration. Hansard and Irglova make a fantastic pairing, they have a charming and genuine chemistry together. The cinema verité style gives the proceedings an immediacy that puts your right inside their hearts. There are no huge reveals, no big surprises, no shocking twists or triumphant clapping scenes. Just a simple and understated but highly lovable piece of work, with terrific music as well.
Rated 20 Feb 2008
70
65th
The music is better than the film, I'd say. But that might not be saying much because the music is really, really good.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
98
98th
That was great, heard so much about it and at least saw that one in an outdoor cinema.Songs for the Heart and a great performance by the actors. Just beautiful
Rated 07 Feb 2008
96
95th
This is what a musical is supposed to be. None of that random people jumping into the streets dancing and singing. This movie perfectly captures the magic of making music. The scene in the music store brought tears to my eyes. The story is rather brief, since this movie is primarily about the music (which is absolutely amazing, I don't know whats wrong with those who say anything else) but the story is very beautiful if you read into all the sublties of it. It'll make you laugh, cry etc etc
Rated 04 Jan 2008
90
90th
A very enjoyable, small picture. I enjoyed the music.
Rated 06 Sep 2009
75
88th
I couldn't get enough of the music, it was just so captivating. It was less about a guy and a girl connecting through music and more about music.
Rated 09 Feb 2009
93
96th
I found this one to be pretty refreshing. It was a love story, but not. The music was awesome. The fact that the two main actors were not actors at all made it seem all the more real, along with everything else...awkward silences, distance from the camera, low-budget. It almost seemed like a documentary. Just really simple and pretty.
Rated 08 Jun 2010
80
79th
Charming is the best way to describe this film. There are no surprises, no fresh insights, and no outstanding cinematic techniques. However, there is nothing like watching a movie in which the actors don't really have to act much at all. The story is simple but the characters are sincere and lovable. Not earth shattering, but definitely worth seeing.
Rated 11 Feb 2009
76
54th
Proof that passion for making films and arts can lead you somewhere.
Rated 27 Jul 2012
55
24th
It's only a collection of sentimental pictures. Nothing more. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad with being sentimental and the music wasn't bad even if not entirely my cup of tea. But a complete lack of plot? It's never a blunder that can be forgiven.
Rated 26 May 2012
80
81st
Love it, just freakin' love it. Also great music !!
Rated 17 Nov 2011
55
21st
"Once" has a likable romance at its core, two well-matched protagonists and plenty of nice if corny tunes that almost entirely take over from the plot as the film evolves. The most vexing aspect about it is that it seems to be madly in love with its own self-conscious hipster attitude. The result is a cute, brisk and enjoyable little film that nevertheless never reaches the dramatic gravity of the thematically similar "Before Sunset" or makes any innovations as a musical.
Rated 07 Mar 2008
90
86th
i love the music!!
Rated 12 May 2013
85
98th
2. Beautiful. Simple, pure and honest. Great film.
Rated 22 Jun 2008
80
73rd
null
Rated 07 Sep 2008
76
68th
Beautiful.
Rated 04 Feb 2010
79
38th
A thoroughly enjoyable musical; a testament to what can be done filming on the cheap.
Rated 20 Mar 2008
95
95th
An honest & truly beautiful film.
Rated 23 Sep 2023
77
53rd
Middling but enjoyable musical romance has distinct flavourings of Irish whimsy, with a kind of earthy earnestness to anchor it, though it is largely a showcase for some pleasant (if unmemorable) tunes by Hansard – your opinion of the music is likely to drive your appreciation for the film, but its an easygoing ride either way, with sometimes too blatant cribbing from LOST IN TRANSLATION in technique and certain sequences (especially the montages). Hansard and Irglová make for a charming couple.
Rated 24 Dec 2007
83
93rd
A brilliant new twist on a "musical"--all the music fits the story as well as the action: they play music to play music, but it follows the love that blossoms.
Rated 10 Jan 2008
58
26th
I didn't really like the music, so obviously this film annoyed me.
Rated 11 May 2010
45
40th
FFD - 99?!?!
Rated 26 Jul 2008
90
60th
The music is stunning.
Rated 15 Jun 2014
83
76th
The mysterious thing is that it's all about the performers. The songs are good, but most of them aren't great, yet when performed by these musicians in these settings, they grab you and don't let go. It's a huge credit to the film-makers and to the actors that the film is much, much, much better than the songs of its parts. PS: This is maybe the most perfectly titled film I've seen in ages.
Rated 18 Oct 2011
70
72nd
Quite enjoyable for a film with such boring music.
Rated 22 Sep 2018
90
71st
like a concert
Rated 28 Jan 2012
1
0th
What a defiant little musical, refusing to conform to any familiar romantic comedy beats or musical cliches. Once dares to rely on its soundtrack, which is featured prominently, but the songs are so good, heartfelt, and well-performed that it works perfectly. It's so much charm packed into such a small well-paced package that it's the musical that many might have been waiting for. Score is not a grade.
Rated 22 Jan 2008
92
82nd
What a great movie. The story is a pretty by-the-numbers romantic plot (but a good one, we've all been in a similar situation before) but the music really elevates it to the next level. When the numbers kick in it's very fluid; very different from the standard musical, and it does a very good job at keeping immersion throughout. Everything about the music was absolutely authentic (all of the recording scenes were hilarious for me) in a way that few movies have touched on before.
Rated 28 May 2023
30
22nd
You'll feel good after watching this. But I probably would have enjoyed better a film sadder.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
85
26th
A summer romance movie. But, come on, not even a kiss?
Rated 10 Feb 2012
63
25th
The music is so, so grating.
Rated 01 Mar 2016
89
70th
One of my favorite movies ever. It's like an extended music video, with just enough plot to keep a storyline moving. But the passion and intensity of Glen and Marketa's raw emotion is palpable. Mix with the complexity of obligations, hopes, dreams, harsh reality and great music. DRAMAFFLOP rating: (see my profile for details) Dialogue=5,Rudeness=4,Acting=5,Messages=3,Action=4,Funny=3, Filmography=5,loveable characters=5,orchestration=5,Plot=4. Weighted total = 89.
Rated 17 Feb 2012
74
80th
it's hard to even think that a soundtrack could change so much as it did here
Rated 15 Oct 2008
89
73rd
Beautiful movie. The performances from the leads are so truthful and honest that you feel the impact of their amazing songs full on.
Rated 26 Feb 2009
94
96th
A must film, at least for its music.
Rated 20 Sep 2009
80
73rd
A sweet, sad little musical.
Rated 13 Nov 2014
72
56th
Indie musical with real musicians in the starring roles. It's as good and as bad as that sounds. A lot more of the former though. I would like to see more modern musicals.
Rated 15 Jul 2007
50
34th
update: what is wrong with you people
Rated 25 Jan 2012
86
89th
Definately a slow, romantic movie about two musicians helping each other out at redeeming past sins. What makes the movie really special, though, is an incredible soundtrack and a really pleasant & spontaneous acting. Just my cup of tea!
Rated 14 Nov 2015
80
55th
The music is fantastic. The movie is a tad slow.
Rated 22 Dec 2007
95
91st
One of the most sweetly beautiful films I've seen all year. The music is sensational, the story is simple, but rich and poetic. A must see for any lover of film.
Rated 04 Jul 2012
100
98th
:') I less than 3.
Rated 21 Mar 2008
90
90th
A very well done film with a strong Indie feel. I would recommend it to anyone, particularly musicians. The music in the film is amazing and the story is far from cliche.
Rated 19 Sep 2011
53
68th
#11#, reviews, story
Rated 31 Jul 2009
60
25th
not so good little movie with nice songs and strong ending
Rated 02 Nov 2009
100
97th
Effin unbelievable. This unmatched honesty!
Rated 26 Jan 2008
71
44th
Decent music and an effective lead actor keep Once's otherwise boring music and weak love story afloat. The movie is brief, thankfully, to spare audience from what seems to be an hour and a half behind-the-music excuse to showcase the music. The lead actor is quite good at both singing and acting, which is rare in movies of these types, so it's at least easy to appreciate his work even if next to nothing else is anything special. I do recommend Once, it's just not as great as people say.
Rated 02 May 2008
70
56th
I'm not sure what to think of this one... It was probably the best 'musical' I've ever seen (but then again, most musicals are crap). But except for the songs, some of which were very good, this movie hasn't got much to offer.
Rated 12 Apr 2019
92
47th
My SCORING: Touching. The movie's original song is 2 thumbs up. 99-96=Great; 95-90=Very good; 89-85=Good; 84-80=So-so; 79-70=Boring; Below 70=Forget it.
Rated 30 Nov 2008
90
90th
I'd take this type of musical over the flashy big-budget dance-athons that Hollywood churns out every year. Yeah, it's mainly a showcase for the music, but it's the underlying love story that makes it worth watching.
Rated 04 Dec 2010
60
47th
Cute but too sentimental for me. That's what I think about the soundtrack too.
Rated 14 Dec 2007
100
96th
I cried, I admit it. On both viewings.
Rated 05 Apr 2021
10
14th
ear-curdling yurdles
Rated 13 Nov 2008
60
25th
i know it was artsy and had a meaning to it, but i didn't get it, so i didn't find it that enjoyable
Rated 21 Jan 2013
92
85th
One of the best "musicals" to ever be happen. Taking actual talent from Glen Hansard and applying parts of his story really help add a sense of authenticity and heart that's missing from most films.
Rated 15 Nov 2020
76
60th
This is a relationship movie without a relationship. I liked the indipendent spirit.
Rated 09 Mar 2012
68
42nd
This doesn't really work as a movie, but that's not to say I didn't find it enjoyable. I just think that as a movie, a video medium, there wasn't much visual in it. However the second component, audio, was really great. It would have worked better as an album then a film. Most of the scenes in between the songs were quite bland, and plain. The scenes with the music itself was just people singing, or some montage of happy memories. It's not so much as musical either, as there isn't any dancing.
Rated 17 Feb 2008
90
92nd
I really enjoyed this movie. The premise is charming, the music is engaging. You see a little bit of how difficult it is to write great songs--but when you succeed, it's just marvelous. And Hansard and Irglova definitely succeed!
Rated 08 Dec 2011
95
98th
It really helps with this film, if you are passionate about music and singer songwriters to apprecieate the depth of feeling that went into making this film. The brilliantly talented stars of the film are musicians turned Actors, but did equally as well in their natural performances throughout the film. The friendship connection here is electrical and the voices and instruments together, make for a great movie soundtrack (I know I've bought Soundtrack and DVD since watching this). Wh
Rated 16 Mar 2008
77
71st
Warm, genuine, quiet, awkward, and quite thoughtful, even if truthfully sad.
Rated 09 Feb 2009
100
98th
Absolutely loved this film. Some really great music, which is the backbone of the entire flick. My wife and I actually used the instrumental only version of "Falling Slowly" for when she and her Bridesmaids walked down the isle.
Rated 07 Apr 2008
77
85th
Cinematographywise, there isn't much special about this film. With music being it's predominant substance, and somebody performing most of the screen time, there's little time left for things like character development. The songs aren't even too tightly woven into the plot, which is quite minimalistic; yet, it avoids cliche and attains a feeling of authenticity. Ultimately, however, whether you'll enjoy it depends solely on how much you're into this type of music.
Rated 20 Dec 2008
0
0th
aaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh
Rated 14 Sep 2011
86
74th
very nice!
Rated 31 May 2008
93
96th
The best music video ever. Infectiously captures the romance of musicmaking and fleeting courtship, making me want to learn the guitar better, teach my wife to play the piano, and start a band (in Dublin, of course).
Rated 16 Nov 2011
70
45th
Soundtrack is wonderful, but movie is par for the course
Rated 19 Jan 2014
100
91st
Beautiful, some may hate the camera work, but a beautiful story and soundtrack
Rated 05 Jul 2023
81
55th
A movie that can proudly and accurately bill itself as a "modern-day musical", the story of a jilted Irish singer-songwriter and the random passerby he befriends is cute, charming and full of infectious tunes. The will-they/won't they question sparks and propels the movie throughout and the easy charm of both leads make it very easy to root for a consummation. The decision to film handheld does get distracting at a point, but honestly, adds to the lo-fi charm of the picture. PSI: 79
Rated 19 Apr 2024
60
46th
Rated 11 Dec 2015
90
89th
At least half of the movie is Glen and Marketa playing their music, so you must enjoy the music if you are to enjoy the movie. The rest of it is comprised of a love story with a somewhat strange dynamic, but sweet none-the-less and is made more powerful by the music.
Rated 28 May 2011
85
87th
A very nice movie with one of the best romances ever put on film. The soundtrack for this movie is pretty amazing, and the way shots linger while the haunting songs play adds to the emotional feel the whole movie gives. It has a great way of giving you hope and happiness for each character without a Hollywood ending and I would suggest everyone give this movie a chance.
Rated 29 Aug 2008
85
84th
Without the music this movie would be boring as hell, but the songs are great and they are definitely fitting the characters.
Rated 18 Feb 2015
78
66th
Lovely!
Rated 10 Jul 2011
70
11th
fairly kitschy, nice try though

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