Comments

[TB]

I will never forget the first time I saw this movie. It was a Christmas present and I had never seen it before, but I knew that it was up for the Oscars that year, but I hadn't looked into it. And I put it in, and by the time they got to the Falling Slowly sequence I was in tears. Not because of the events in the movie exactly, but because I was just so happy that something like this exists.

[Richter Scale]

The Hill, such a beautiful song! This is one movie I can watch over and over again and never get tired of its beauty! Nat, have you heard anything about the Broadway show? Seen it firsthand? How is it? I worry, because what makes Once so beautiful is its simplicity and it worries me that Broadway will turn it into huge production numbers and make it a big musical. I like Once as something small and intimate. At least this gem of a movie will remain intact...

[Ryan T.]

God I loved this film. I can't wait to see the Broadway show.

[Peggy Sue]

Lovely film and songs. Too bad the Academy's Music Branch doesn't care anymore...

[SimplySarah]

Ah yes back in the days when the Academy's Music Branch hadn't lost all hope or touch.
This was a beautiful little film and the entire score was mesmerizing. I remember that I was so excited when they won.

[Hannah]

It's very rare to see intimacy on screen without relying on physical contact. And for that, I love this film...

[denny]

I ADORE Once. Such a beautiful, brilliant film.

And for those wondering about the Broadway production, I saw it last weekend and it remains surprisingly true to the film, while still being very much its own animal. VERY simple - one set, small ensemble who also play all the instruments - and VERY effective. The new, fuller orchestrations are gorgeous and in some cases quite affecting. The Girl character is much funnier than she was in the film, but the actress has a very likable quality that instantly endears you to her, so it doesn't really matter. The show also tackles their romance more head-on than the film does and they changed Guy's girlfriend situation (in the film, she cheated on him and moved to London, in the show she's faithful and went to America to pursue a career). Because of that the ending is changed a bit, but it still got me emotionally and everything still works.

In short, GO SEE IT!

[Jeremy]

Can't wait to see what will John Carney do with Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson in "Can a Song Save Your Life?"... Hope it will be as beautiful and honest as "Once" is and if so, I hope it will get more Oscar attention.

[Janice]

I don't know that I can add anything to what's been said - I LOVED this film, and probably had it nearly on a loop when I first rented the DVD (if such a thing is possible.) It's the sort of film that makes me wonder, "why don't we have more of THESE sort?"

[Derreck]

I'm DYING to see The Swell Season documentary about Glen, Marketa and their relationship after the Oscars.

But back to this scene. Such an simple and unexpected emotional moment. It's probably my third favorite song (after If You Want Me and Falling Slowly) but it still packs a quiet punch.

I'm just SO glad they got the Oscar for Best Song because they thoroughly deserved it. It just sucks that Oscar seems to have completely lost his head when it comes to songs, nominations and performances. I remember when they sang their song during the Oscar ceremony and managed to be one of the best things about that night. Plus, their speeches!

ah, crap, now i just want to see that documentary even more. I think its out on DVD next week though! :)

[Gabriel Oak]

I just saw Marketa Irglova perform at Joe's Pub in New York. Her new songs are mesmerizing but it was strange to hear her do Falling Slowly with Glen. Just not the same. But Once is a special movie and so is new theatrical production based on it.

[Gabriel Oak]

Derreck, I saw the documentary. It's definitely worth a look but it's sad to watch.

[Derreck]

Gabriel, It's sad?! oh boy. Still looking forward to watching it though.

[Janice]

@Glen - do you mean "without Glen"?