I have a special connection to “Once,” John Carney’s 2007 musical romance. Beyond its phenomenal storytelling and music, the film has personal significance. My brother was named after Eamon, the music producer in the movie, and my family once saw The Swell Season (Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglova’s band that plays songs from the film) perform at Vicar Street in Dublin. Needless to say, I deeply love the movie “Once,” so take this review with a hint of bias.
The two lead characters, played by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, remain nameless throughout the film, often referred to online as simply “Guy” and “Girl.” The story follows Guy, a struggling Dublin busker and vacuum repairman, who crosses paths with Girl, a Czech immigrant working as a street seller. Drawn together by their shared love of music, they collaborate with the hopes Guy will make it big, creating songs that reflect their growing love. As they write songs that intertwine with their love, so do their lives, creating a quiet love story.
The music in “Once” is nothing but phenomenal. Hansard, best known for “The Frames,” and Irglova wrote its entire soundtrack, which shows. Their efforts paid off when “Falling Slowly” earned them the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Other standout tracks from the film include “Say It to Me Now,” “The Hill,” “Lies” and “If You Want Me.”
A common problem in music-driven films is imbalances in how the songs are integrated into the film, either feeling too forced or covert. “Once” strikes a perfect balance, seamlessly weaving its music into the story and narrative. The characters perform nearly every song in the film, enhancing the film’s raw and immersive quality. More than just a part of the film, the music mirrors its characters’ emotions and romance, ebbing and flowing with their ever-evolving relationship. At times, it even takes the place of dialogue, becoming the primary method of storytelling.
Hansard and Irglova aren’t trained actors, which works in the film’s favor. Their performances feel raw and unpolished, which adds to the film’s natural style. Since they are real musicians, their roles feel entirely authentic. Unlike big-name actors trying to imitate musicians, they do what they do best, being musicians, which is especially important in a film deeply driven by music like “Once.”
Their chemistry is another highlight, making their on-screen connection feel even more genuine. It certainly helps that Hansard and Irglova became romantically involved during production, in a sense mirroring their characters’ emotional journey. That’s not to say their performances are flawless; at times, their lack of acting experience is noticeable, mainly in some of the dialogue, which can briefly pull the viewer out of the film. However, these minor moments don’t take away from the film, and their ultimately heartfelt performances make “Once” all the more compelling.
The film’s visuals are equally impressive, captured in a raw, almost documentary-like style. This natural approach enhances the film’s indie aesthetic, creating a more intimate, small-scale atmosphere that sets it apart from typical romance films. The movie’s handheld and minimalistic style makes every moment feel authentic and unfiltered, similar to how we see their relationship throughout.
The film’s story is refreshingly grounded, contrasting with many romance films’ exaggerated premises and forced moments. “Once” is simple: It follows two ordinary people with dreams, struggles and desires as they navigate their growing connection and romance. This realism makes their relationship all the more compelling, as it is far more relatable to the viewer.
Without giving too much away, the film’s ending is one of the most memorable in the genre. It defies conventional Hollywood endings, offering an unexpected yet deeply satisfying conclusion. While it may not be the fairy-tale ending some might hope for, it perfectly fits the film’s tone and themes, making it more impactful.
Ultimately, “Once” is one of the greatest romantic music films of all time. Irglova and Hansard deliver heartfelt performances, and their shared musical talent only serves to elevate the film’s emotional depth. The grounded story makes for a refreshingly authentic romance resonating beyond typical genre conventions. If you’re looking for a movie to watch this Valentine’s season, “Once” is an easy and heartfelt recommendation.
