I have to agree with bradley here. Many times during the movie I felt annoyed and unconvinced, something that happened to me in other movies like Before Sunrise (B-/C+), Garden State (B), and Almost Famous (C). It just doesn't connect with me despite my wanting it to.

The songs are great though, especially if taken out of the context of the movie, so I would recommend the soundtrack. And at least the movie's better than The Commitments (D-).

Another possible redeeming quality is that the filmmakers may come up with a great sequel in the future that I might be passionate about (like Before Sunset (A+)). But I still give this movie a C.

I was actually surprised at how much I loved it. I think it's because it's not a gushy, corny, over-romanticized love story; it's very low-key and subtle and thus feels more genuine. There's no big Hollywood productions - everything is more natural. This extends to the songs, also - they're not too synthetic or over-produced, and thus fit the realistic setting very well. And they're also terrific. They advance the narrative, express the character's thoughts, evoke emotions from the audience, and sound fantastic to boot. And that's all I really want from a musical/romance: something natural, something believable, with some great music. And I got it.

Once is a film that has moved me like no other film has all year. True, it's a simple story; boy meets girl, boy likes girl, boy looses girl. All of the power comes from how much the viewer can relate to it, and how wonderful the music is. The performances on display are great as well, Glen Hansard is very good in his role and has a great voice but the real breakout here is Markéta Irglová. She's phenomenal and you really feel for her. I'm curious if she is going to be in any other films after this because she was great here and I wouldn't be surprised if she wound up winning an Oscar sometime down the road. 2007 has given me many surprises, and while I'm not surprised at all that I loved this, I am surprised at how much I loved it. It was just a perfect movie.

10/10 (A+), and if it was at all possible, I'd give it a higher rating.

I watched it today, and got it for Christmas, does that count?

I'm so sad I missed this in theaters. It played for two or three weeks about 45 minutes away (though the theater is right down the street from where my mom lives, it's where I saw The Kite Runner a few days ago). I'm so glad my friend gave it to me as an early Christmas present. I'm sure I'll watch it again very, very soon.

I can't believe how many 10/10 (A+)'s I've given this year. Last year I only gave one and the year before it I gave two or three. This year I've given SIX!!!

B+. A stunningly film , that takes more of the reality route to a musical more than anything. The music is fantastic.

I bought the Once DVD/soundtrack combo from amazon with some Christmas money. Does that count?

Unfortunately I was expecting so much more from this, and for once (or twice) I have to agree with Bradley. Call me cynical, whatever, but to me, it's the most overhyped movie of the year. I really really wanted to love this, but when you can't connect, you just can't. It's like falling in love I guess. The songs are kinda good, the chemistry between the leads is believable and it does have the right ending. That's it for me.


In fact, I think I enjoyed Music & Lyrics (the mainstream companion to this) as much, if not more - as pure entertainment at least. Some parts here simply bored me, and for a 85 minute film, that's pretty bad.


(I don't feel like grading movies lately but this one would be like a 3/5 at best)

It's an emo romance (EMO-ROM), and worse it's target audience seems to be emo's old enough to know better...

A sweet little surprise. While it's definitely overrated to a certain extent, this is still a very good film with several great moments. I absolutely loved the song "Falling Slowly" and the scenes in which it was used. The first scene featuring it is one of the best movie moments of the year so far. I also loved "If You Want Me" and the way the sequence was filmed. I wasn't a massive fan of the rest of the music, but it was tolerable. The performances were very good. Marketa Irglova was wonderful in particular - equally charming and heartbreaking. I think what really made me like this movie so much was the adorable, heartwarming ending - which made the experience of watching the film all the more rewarding. I don't know how I really feel about this movie. If all the sequences were as powerful as the three I mentioned specifically it would have been a new all-time favorite. But still, it's a touching, romantic film that I'd definitely recommend. B+

After buying the movie and soundtrack, i am a believer that the more you watch it and listen to it, the more you love it. Once truly is better the second time around!

Am I the only one that didn't like it as much on DVD?

I don't know what it is... I still like the movie. A lot. But something was different.

I liked it well enough. Some good music. Didn't love it like some, but it was decent.

***

The more I think about this movie, the more I find ways to like it.

What A MusicaL. Every scene, every shot and every conversation made in this fiLm just Looked simpLy reaL that everything seemed actuaLLy happening in reaL-time. The "FaLLing SLowLy" scene simpLy brought it to the next LeveL and as been said, is one of the greatest movie moments of 2007 if not the greatest. The rest of the musicaL sequences were great as weLL and Marketa IrgLova cannot be denied of her LovabLe performance.

A-

As I watched the movie last night, I was in constant fear that it would screw up; that the filmmakers wouldn't understand why this was magical, that something contrived or artificial would be introduced and ruin the film's simple, straightforward beauty. And you know what? It never did.

Just watched it as well, and so agree. At numerous places the film could have gone to being a sappy love story, but it never did. The ebbs and flows of the relationship were handled superbly. It's not something we see in movies any more these days, but it's actually more real.

Stayed up until 2 last night watching it. Wow. So beautiful. Amazing amazing movie.

10/10 A+

In my top 3 of 2007. I dont know where yet. Could be one. Have to think about it.

After listening to the soundtrack for the past 3 months, I finally saw it, I this movie

I really enjoyed the film. The music was wonderful and the chemistry between guy and girl was pretty much perfect. I probably need to pick up the soundtrack.

A-

This film is just charming. I loved it. A-

The soundtrack is great too.

sometimes, I wonder.. what my grade would be if this movie is not 'one of the most critical acclaimed of the year' .. would it be the same??

and sometimes, I just hate myself for cannot be 'different'..

but,

f*ck that..

I'm madly in love with this movie

Best mov..

nope.. I think, I'd rather put it this way..

A movie I love the most amongst all 100+ films I've seen this year..

A

A wonderful movie. I really enjoyed it, especially Marketa Irglova's charming performance. The songs were quite great too but a bit repetitive. It doesn't help that I'm not a big musical fan. Overall I'm very surprised that I did like it that much. B+

I also could see this movie grow on me after more viewings.