Once Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two musicians meet in Dublin, write some sad songs, fix a vacuum cleaner, and then… nothing really happens, but it’s still beautiful.

🍿 Once: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dublin Busker Meets Czech Immigrant

In Dublin, an unnamed street musician (‘Guy’) spends his days repairing vacuum cleaners in his father’s shop and his nights busking. He’s haunted by a former girlfriend who left for London. A young Czech immigrant woman (‘Girl’) selling flowers is drawn to his music and the pain within it. She encourages him to pursue his dreams.

A Shared Passion for Music Sparks Collaboration

Discovering they both have a deep love for music, they begin to collaborate. The Girl, a talented pianist, starts working with the Guy on his songs. They rehearse in a music shop where she’s allowed to play the pianos. Their connection deepens through their shared artistic endeavors and the vulnerability they express through music.

Recording the Demo and Facing Personal Obstacles

Determined to record a demo to further his career, the Guy enlists the Girl’s help. They navigate the challenges of securing funding and assembling a band of fellow musicians. As they pour their hearts into their music, their personal lives intertwine, complicated by past relationships and uncertain futures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Guy (Glen Hansard): A Dublin street musician and vacuum cleaner repairman struggling with a past love, who finds inspiration in music and a new connection.
• Girl (Markéta Irglová): A Czech immigrant and pianist who encourages the Guy to pursue his musical dreams while dealing with her own complex marital situation.
• Guy’s Dad (Bill Hodnett): The Guy’s supportive father who runs the vacuum repair shop and ultimately funds his son’s trip to London.
• Ex Girlfriend (Marcella Plunkett): The Guy’s former girlfriend living in London, whom he hopes to win back with his music.
• Eamon (Geoff Minogue): A jaded recording studio engineer who is eventually won over by the Guy and Girl’s raw talent.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Guy: “I have suffered enough.” – A raw and emotional expression of his heartbreak and frustration with his unfulfilled musical dreams.
• Girl: “Milujes ho?” – She asks ‘Do you love him?’ in Czech to the Guy about his ex-girlfriend.
• Girl: “No, miluji tebe.” – She responds ‘No, I love you’ in Czech, a pivotal moment of unspoken feelings.
• Guy: “It’s about a girl.” – Guy’s simple explanation of what his songs are about, highlighting the central theme of love and loss.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $150,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,439,923
• Worldwide Gross: $22,311,642

💥 Once Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely swept away by “Once.” It felt like a movie made just for me, a fellow music lover. The simplicity of the story, combined with the gorgeous songs, created such an emotional experience. I especially loved the scene in the music shop when they first play “Falling Slowly” together – pure magic! It’s a movie I know I’ll revisit many times.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of indie films”
  • “Lovers of romantic dramas”
  • “Music enthusiasts, especially singer-songwriter genres”
  • “People who enjoy realistic and character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Themes of heartbreak and longing”
  • “Mature thematic elements”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”Once” is a modern musical that plays like a tender, intimate love song. The film’s naturalism enhances the emotions, making it a profoundly moving experience. Hansard and Irglova are captivating, their musical chemistry radiating authenticity.
• Rolling Stone: “A small miracle of a movie, “Once” transcends its low budget with soaring music and a heartbreakingly honest story. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová deliver performances of raw emotion, making this a must-see for anyone who believes in the power of music.

Audience Reactions

The raw emotion in the music truly resonated with viewers.: The film’s realism and the chemistry between the leads were consistently praised.

Viewers loved the ending for not being a typical Hollywood resolution.: The soundtrack was frequently cited as one of the best ever.

Overall Consensus: “Once” is a heartwarming and critically acclaimed indie musical that captivates with its genuine performances and unforgettable soundtrack. A must-see for music lovers.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 2008

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in just 17 days with a budget of only $150,000.”
• “Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, the two leads, were not professional actors but musicians who wrote and performed the songs in the film.”
• “Many of the locations used in the film were real places in Dublin, adding to the movie’s authentic feel.”
• “The film’s director, John Carney, was previously a bass player for Glen Hansard’s band, The Frames.”

🖥️ How to Watch Once?

You can stream *Once* on services like Amazon Prime Video (via subscription or purchase), Apple TV (for purchase or rental), and through various online platforms. Check local listings for availability in your region. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) are also readily available for purchase from retailers like Amazon and major department stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Once, you might like these similar films:

• Begin Again (2013): A similar story of musicians collaborating in New York City, focusing on the creative process and finding new beginnings.
• Sing Street (2016): Another Irish musical drama about a young band forming in Dublin, capturing the spirit of youth and music.
• A Star is Born (2018): The tale of two musicians falling in love and sharing a passion.

🛒 Once Related Products

• Once (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): The complete soundtrack featuring the award-winning songs from the movie. Includes ‘Falling Slowly,’ ‘Lies,’ and other beautiful tracks.
• The Swell Season [Blu-ray]: Documentary about Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova after the success of ‘Once’.
• ONCE Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying your love for the film.
• Falling Slowly Sheet Music: Official sheet music for the hit song “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once.”

🎧 Soundtrack

Once features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Falling Slowly” – performed by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
• “Lies” – performed by Glen Hansard
• “If You Want Me” – performed by Markéta Irglová
• “When Your Mind’s Made Up” – performed by Glen Hansard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ZOLITA – Somebody I F*cked Once (Official Music Video)

Take a dive into the complex and thought-provoking themes of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with this captivating analysis. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on the film’s characters and their motivations.

Everything Everywhere All At Once | Official Trailer HD | A24

Prepare to be blown away by the official trailer for Everything Everywhere All at Once. This mind-bending and visually stunning film is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.

Once Upon a Time in the West (4/8) Movie CLIP – A Man’s Hands All Over You (1968) HD

Step back in time with this iconic clip from Once Upon a Time in the West. Sergio Leone’s signature style and storytelling are on full display in this unforgettable scene.

✨ Rate