Written in an eclectic modern style, “Once” is a film with a unique concept that combines being a romance film and a musical at the same time. The movie is set in Ireland and describes the lives of two real-life musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová who portray themselves as struggling artists in Dublin. The movie was produced on a small budget. However, after it was released, it became a blockbuster hit for its raw emotions, stunning performances, and outstanding music. Especially, the soundtrack… oh my goodness, especially the song “Falling Slowly” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Plot Overview

The movie follows a heartwarming narrative of a street artist/craftsman in Dublin called Guy (Glen Hansard) who fixes vacuum cleaners during the day and pours his heart out in songs at night. One fine day, he crosses paths with a striking and talented Czech immigrant, a pianist, and a singer-songwriter herself called Girl (Markéta Irglová). They hit it off instantly, bonding over music, but despite the chemistry and connection they share, they are still shackled by their pasts – Guy is stuck up on his ex while Girl is married and has a husband back home.

Nonethless, they work together non-stop over the span of a week, succumbing to the chemistry of love and passion as they set off hoping to make Guy’s demo album. Although they barely know each other, they have an unexplainable connection that brings them together. They go through a powerful emotional journey together as they slowly fall in love with each other but don’t do anything about it. Eventually the short but incredibly impactful journey turns bittersweet once they part ways at the end of the movie leaving them as different people than who they started as.

Character Analysis

• Guy (Glen Hansard) – An Irish musician heartbroken and riddled with self-doubt. Struggles to cope with his emotions and passion for music.
• Girl (Markéta Irglová) – A kindhearted Czech immigrant with a passion for music that motivates her to assist Guy in rediscovering his touch of self-esteem and confidence.
• Guy’s Father (Bill Hodnett) – The father figure with the fewest words of encouagement. He maintains a vacuum repair shop and provides for his family.
• Girl’s Mother (Danuse Ktrestova) – A mother attempting to balance her familial duties while adapting to a new country and culture.

Themes and Style

• Music as a form of art – This film is totally different from the rest, the songs breathe life into the movie, they serve as a dialogue rather than a mere background feature as in most films.
• Unconventional Love – The romantic bond which does not need any sharpening revolves around the couple. Once showcases is at to how profound human relationships can be even in the absence of a strong resolution.
• Realism & Minimalism – The film just like a documentry uses all natural light, unacted, naturally occurring moments and untouched performances, living up to the term ‘realism’.
• Artistic Passion – It showcases the hardships and aspirations that underlie every musician’s desire to set out into the world, spotlight and fame.

Conclusion

Once tells a deeply personal story of the relationship between love and music, and how an individual’s life can be profoundly touched by another’s even in the briefest encounters. It captures the way art brings people together through its powerful soundtrack and sincere performances, while striking a bittersweet chord representative of disconnected romances. The film was so successful that it was adapted into a stage musical, which serves as proof that its emotional depth remains truly remarkable.