Once is a charming and captivating film that deserves to be seen. This modern-day musical doesn't have dance routines or elaborate costumes; it's more like an extended music video personifying the delicate feelings of two very strong and talented people. The courtship between Glen Hansard (frontman for Irish rock band, The Frames) and Marketa Irglova (Czech vocalist and multi-instrumentalist) is a complicated one, simplified by mutual awe in each other's musical talents. The somewhat underwhelming camera work and production quality seems fitting and gives the film a sort of intimacy entirely appropriate for the story it's telling. The closeness of the characters builds attachment with the audience so that you feel like you’re watching real-life moments between two real-life people. Hansard and Irglova's talent lies more in the music than in the acting but it's ok because there's more song than dialogue. Once is honestly felt and soulful with an endearing melody that will leave your heart humming.

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