DVD Once
Digital Life Average Rating:

Rating: - Beautiful love story peppered with songs
When an Irish street musician meets a young Czech flower seller on the streets or (unknown) city in Ireland, they strike an easy friendship. Their initial conversation is spontaneous and not restrained. Soon they learn they are both musicians who can play guitar and piano and also sing a duet without much practice. Their musical education differs (he seems to be self-thought, while she is classically tranied pianist), and so does their social status but that is not barrier to their mutual musical creative force. Their professional relationship grows thru their mutual respect for their musical talent but soon they are falling for each other emotionally to. He has been hurt before with disasterous consequences it seems, while she has had her own share of misfortune of a different kind. Can these two be together? See the movie and make a decision for yourself! The real treasure of this movie is young Marketa Irglova. Her wide open eyes transcent innocence and purity that is rarely seen on film. While Glen Hansard sometimes seems like he is trying too hard to make people love his music, Marketa's mere presence in the film, her subdued singing and performing give this little movie a real spark. Without Marketa this movie simply could not exist.

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Rating: - remarkable singing, astonishing accomplishment
The movie is mediocre, but the accomplishment astounding and the soundtrack so beautiful that it'll make your heart soar and your soul sing. This is truly an indie film and should be enjoyed only in the content of such (don't expect big-budget explosions or even good lighting from the two handheld cameras that this was shot with).

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Rating: - My vote of confidence
Once is about a guy who sings on the street of Dublin for change and otherwise he works at his dad's repair show for hoovers or vaccum cleaners. I'd like to remind you that Dublin is not known for it's street side singing and neither are folks who sing duets in trend. I like the actor's voice and I like how he subtly they show him showing off his art whether on the bus or on streets or simply near a pond. He meets this girl who was just walking by hearing him sing. Much taken by her art, she decides to play piano and add subtle vocals to his lonely melodies. The guy and girl together record their demo tapes and the jamming bit was just excellent. I like how much heart the guy carried and it is not a film to be forgotten and is somewhat of a class act in it's own right.
Similar films would include Darjeeling Limited and I don't know why I think it's very different at the same times. An easy 8/10.

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Rating: - instant classic
when you first watch the movie, you may be thrown by the camera work and rough editing techniques. However, as you continue to watch you realize that this just adds to the personal nature of the film. It is truly a beautiful work of art, from the music to the overall atmosphere created by the story intertwined with the Irish culture and environment. This movie will be cherished for years to come as a genuine, emotion driven film of relationships, about recognizing the miracles in daily life. Highly recommend it. Plus, Amazon is always reliable and the ordering process is a breeze...