Once

"Once" is a modern-day musical set on the streets of Dublin. Featuring Glen Hansard and his Irish band The Frames, "Once" 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.

I was looking forward to this for a while and it more than lived up to my expectations, being a beautifully judged and wonderfully played romance that most of all feels real. The excellent soundtrack (enjoyment of which plays a big part in enjoyment of the film) feels as necessary to the film as dialogue does.

The two leads make an engaging couple and the film doesnt go for any easy choices preferring to play it as sincere as possible. A wonderful bittersweet conclusion as well. Frankly if you like your romances to be more 'before sunrise' than 'pretty woman' (and I do) this will be right up your street.