ONCE is a sweet, melancholy movie about a hesitant and unconsummated romance between two musicians living in contemporary (but roughed up) Dublin. Their emotional attachment is expressed through their music, which we see them rehearse, record and "montage" to. Musicians cum actors Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová do admirable work. They have clear chemistry and seem relaxed and natural in front of the camera. Director John Carey creates a feeling of intimacy with his unobtrusive long shots. It's also refreshing to see a story about two "normal" people connecting in seemingly everday circumstances. My only criticism is that while this film is already under 90 minutes, it could have been under 60 minutes. The movie is padded out with constant repetition of its famous, award-winning song, and frankly, I got a little bored by it.ONCE pkayed Sundance, Dublin and Edinburgh 2007. It won an Oscar for Best Original Song and won the World Cinema Audience award at Sundance. It is now available on DVD.
