Once [DVD]

Once is one of those special films that just entrances and captures the whole experience of how music making can bring people together – it seems to be something director John Carney deeply understands.This is a heart-warming, moving and entertaining little film that thoroughly pleases; you don't even have to like the music especially (as one of my friends admits) but the creative process and the dreams that music inspires is at the heart of this beautiful piece of cinema.Ignore the negative reviews – they are clearly from non-musical viewers and people who don't appreciate good film-making - I truly haven't met anyone who's seen this and didn't like it.The UK DVD release has a fair smattering of extras including a commentary track and selection of featurettes, plus subtitles in English.

A forgettable story as it would have been if somebody told you about it. I don't see why they've made this a movie if they could have shot a short about a guy playing a guitar on the streets and meeting a lovely girl who plays the piano but they don't end up together because they both have unresolved baggage or are heading in different directions but the movie doesn't resolve these. The characters just go their separate ways in the end and leaves the viewer feeling blank. People should stop making films like this i.e. Stop translating everyday street scenes into film. Movies are supposed to be entertainment, not a record of what might have happened outside my door in the past couple of months.

This is a low budget movie with a very simple script and primarily using non professional actors, but don't let that put you off. The core of the film is the music of Glen Hansard, a supremely talented and sensitive musician. The film hints at romance between the 2 main characters, but it doesn't work out, much like real life. It is a beautiful film and captures a short period of a buskers life, Hansard easily fits in this role as he was a Dublin busker before the Commitments. Also won the Oscars for best soundtrack.

It is more of a music showcase for Glen Hansard and to a lesser (not so many of her songs are featured) extent, Markéta Irglová, than a straight film. The plot is simply busker meets single mother in Dublin and they share an interest in music and then go their separate ways. That said however, it did have echoes of the gentle humour from the likes of 'Local Hero' and 'Gregory's Girl' but the music (which you need to like to enjoy the film) was much more to the fore. There are also a couple of music references for the viewer to spot - I won't spoil it for you but think 'Trigger'.Not a 'must see' but one that'll give you a feel good feeling and you'll remember.

This story has some rare special ingredients. One is the tenderness of the whole story and the way that it is played out, it is deeply moving in quite a few of its moments. Then you have Glen Hansard, who writes beautiful songs in his "day job", some of which are included, including the central song "Falling Slowly". Glen is not a professional actor, and before I say that he does a fantastic job of moonlighting as a thespian, I actually got the distinct feeling that he was actually just being himself, and had therefore little acting to do to carry this role off brilliantly! He comes across as completely charming and warm, melancholy in the appropriate scenes, hugely talented, and a wonderful human being to his very core. And to know how amazing a musician he is, it is almost certain that he has that talent because of his huge heart. (If you don't know his songs or that of his band The Frames, please investigate - maybe start with "Bird Of Sorrow"?) The film is a gem in so many ways, I will wear my copy out at some point I suspect.

A magic movie to sing along too and lift your senses with joy . Great movie with wonderful songs sung by accomplished musicians. The meeting by chance of two like minded people who produced great music is certainly worth the watch. Sit back to enjoy an experience and the meeting of great musical minds born opposite sides of the world who showed music has no barriers when they first meet in Dublin.

This is a delightful film which had slipped under my personal radar until a friend recommended it. The core of the story is very simple but the way it's circled by believable, three-dimensional characters gives it genuine depth and feeling.I came away utterly convinced that there were real-life back-stories for everyone who appears on screen... and I mean everyone, from the bored shopkeepers, street villains and the cynical sound engineer, to the families and close friends of the main characters.The acting from everyone is utterly believable, the locations are genuine, the excellent acoustic music is original, the performances appear heartfelt and the lightly melancholy atmosphere of growing love, affection and friendship is heartsqueezingly seductive.It's a film that left a residue in my heart and an echo that resounded in my mind long after the closing credits. It's gone right up there to near the top of my favourite films, and now it's time to order the CD of the music from the film.

One of my favourites EVER . It's got Outspan from the commitments falling in love with a European single mum , all set against the BEAUTIFUL backdrop of Dublin, whats not to like ?Fellas, if you've upset the better half i guarantee, sit her down in front of this with a bottle of wine and a box of chocs and by the end of it she will be nuzzling into you just beggong to be hugged !!!