it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

I am writing this review now while listening to the award winning song "Falling Slowly". ONCE is the best musical-in my opinion. It is the simplest story I've ever seen on screen. Its simplicity is shown through everything surrounds it from the camera to the budget to the 17 days in which it was wholly made. Sometimes you needn't a high budget to be captured your audience.About the performances. you will never feel the actors are acting. They are very real. Actually everything is very real, I think due to the camera work. I doubt it is a home camera or something ;) I don't have much words to describe it. Simply, it is a feel-good movie with a straightforward story about immigrants in Ireland, and sweet melodies that after watching it you'll feel loving everyone and want to hug everyone. You know, am so sensitive towards music :)

The Best movie i have seen til now..Nothing more to say ..just watch it alone in a quite place and you will know what i am talking about

Once is a realistic musical film i ever experience.. The music played with a natural scene and ordinary daily life experience.. You will not find a man or a woman dancing in the rain or in the middle of the street but the music just play the part in the natural things.. 2 character in this film don't have a name but believe me we care about them when film begins.. Touching, beautiful, and stunning.. First scene where Glen Hansard sing "Say it to me now' just wow me as a viewer.. The ending just makes me empty but happy at the same time.. Incredible.. You should watch it.. 9 out of 10..

I really wanted to like this film. I feel guilty for not liking it. But it felt over-rated to me. I like how its scenes and dialogue and locations are ultra realistic. It was obviously filmed on a very low budget, in that cold Irish weather. I like how The Guy and The Girl are struggling musicians. But I can't help compare Once to The Commitments. The latter was spirited, smart and sarcastic, and about 5 times better than Once. Once is very earnest and serious - where is that famous Irish humour? Its music is nowhere near as good as The Commitments, and its script and plot is rather dull. To me, there is no sense of tension or passion. I didn't find the songs tuneful and I didn't like the lead guy's voice when he was shouting. It is far more focused on the songs than the story or romance, so it seems more like a band documentary than a romantic film. It's a musos' film. It's far more focused on the guy's feelings than the girl's. Sorry but I won't be watching Once more than once.