Once
Once Image
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Metascore
88 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 259 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová
  • Summary: A modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin. Featuring Glen Hansard from the Irish band "The Frames," the film tells the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. (Fox Searchlight)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    100
    Once is the first rock musical that actually makes sense. People don't burst into song in this movie because the orchestra's swelling out of nowhere. The guy and the girl are working musicians -- or they'd like to be, if they could make a living at it -- and they're played by working musicians.
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    Once is the kind of film I've been pestered about ever since I started reviewing again. People couldn't quite describe it, but they said I had to see it. I had to. Well, I did. They were right.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    100
    It's a very small piece, working in a deceptively casual storytelling style. But it's my favorite music film since "Stop Making Sense," and it's more emotionally satisfying than any of the Broadway-to-Hollywood adaptations made in the last 20 years.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: James Greenberg
    80
    The film has enormous charm and zero pretense.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 158
  3. Negative: 27 out of 158
  1. ryancarroll88
    10
    "Once" works so well in the realm of its own simplicity: two people connect over their love of music, and the week that they share together is fulfilling enough to last a lifetime. The music, written and performed by the two leads Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, is pure bliss and the movie is an independent film, so the dialogue and character interactions are allowed to feel genuine.… Expand
  2. Komond_Deckard
    8
    It has surely one of the best song-based soundtracks in the film history. I like the subtle love story, but there are some scenes that, though surely realistic, an everyday thing that want us to get into the story, had the completely opposite effect on me. But is easy to see, interesting and enjoyable.… Expand
  3. MarkS.
    7
    A sweet, moving story. I'm glad I saw it. But for an even better cinema-verite musical set in Dublin, watch "The Commitments." I've seen that movie at least 20 times and would gladly watch it again.… Expand
  4. RobertK
    4
    I honestly don't get it. The movie had its cute moments but overall I was bored to tears. I don't see how this movie was a great romantic wonder. I'm sorry it just didn't register with me at all.… Expand

See all 158 User Reviews

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