Once
If I may say so without exaggeration, Once is a musical film masterpiece with a distinct soul.It tells a gentle and heartfelt story through its music — raw, honest, and deeply personal. To me, it’s simply phenomenal. Phenomenal in its euphoric soundtrack, in its quiet and unpretentious narrative, and in its staggering success: made with just $150,000, the film earned 140 times its budget and won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
With such a modest budget, director John Carney had to shoot using handheld cameras, natural lighting, and real locations on the streets of Dublin. This gave the film a documentary-like authenticity and intimacy. Both lead actors were musicians in real life, not professional actors, and their performances were drawn from genuine emotion rather than scripted technique.
The characters are never named — simply “Guy” and “Girl” — allowing viewers to project themselves into the story. Filming took only 17 days, and some scenes were so natural that passersby unknowingly walked into the frame, thinking it was a real street performance.
Unlike conventional musicals, Once offers something raw and real. Its music is utterly sublime — composed and performed by the two leads themselves. The Oscar-winning song Falling Slowly is proof of that brilliance.
And perhaps the most beautiful detail: after filming, Glen and Markéta fell in love in real life and formed the band The Swell Season, touring the world together.
To me, Once is a cinematic gem. It tells a story that feels almost like a documentary, with a rustic charm and emotional depth. Music isn’t just a feature — it’s the soul of the film.A masterpiece that truly deserves recognition.MILUJI TE