Once (2007)
A low-budget Irish gem that proves two guitars, two voices, and one honest story can be more powerful than any Hollywood production.
Once - Movie Information
- Original Title: Once
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: John Carney
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Music, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Czech, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 23, 2007 (Ireland - 15A), June 15, 2007 (United States - R), October 19, 2007 (United Kingdom - 15), January 17, 2008 (Germany - 0), November 14, 2007 (France), August 30, 2007 (Australia - M), April 18, 2008 (Brazil - 12), October 31, 2007 (Spain - A), September 20, 2007 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: 曾经 (CN), Once (FR), No Mesmo Tom (PT), Once (US), Once (ES)
- Production Companies: Samson Films, Summit Entertainment, RTÉ, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
- Production Countries: Ireland, United States of America
Once - Plot
A vacuum repairman moonlights as a street musician and hopes for his big break. One day a Czech immigrant, who earns a living selling flowers, approaches him with the news that she is also an aspiring singer-songwriter. The pair decide to collaborate, and the songs that they compose reflect the story of their blossoming love.
Once - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this intimate musical love story:
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Where to Watch Once
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Once - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Carney
Main Cast
- Glen Hansard
- Markéta Irglová
- Hugh Walsh
- Gerard Hendrick
- Alaistair Foley
- Geoff Minogue
- Bill Hodnett
- Danuse Ktrestova
- Darren Healy
- Mal Whyte
Writers
- John Carney
Producers
- Martina Niland
Once - FAQs
Did "Falling Slowly" from Once win an Oscar?
"Falling Slowly," performed by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 2008 Oscars. It was a landmark moment — Irglová was initially cut off during her acceptance speech, and host Jon Stewart brought her back to the stage to finish it.
What is Once about?
Once follows a Dublin street musician who repairs vacuums by day and plays guitar by night. He meets a Czech immigrant and flower seller who also writes songs. The two decide to record music together, and their creative partnership quietly deepens into something that feels very much like love.
Were Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová a real couple?
Yes, they were. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová were in a real romantic relationship during and after filming Once. Their genuine chemistry is a big reason the film feels so authentic. They also performed together as The Swell Season before eventually going their separate ways.
Where can you stream Once?
You can watch Once on Broadway HD via Amazon Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so it’s worth checking your preferred platform for current options.
Who are the main actors in Once?
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová lead the film as the unnamed Guy and Girl. Both are real-life musicians rather than professional actors, which gives their performances a wonderfully natural, unguarded quality. The supporting cast includes Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick, Geoff Minogue, and Bill Hodnett.
How was Once made on such a small budget?
Once was filmed for just $160,000 — a remarkably tiny sum. Director John Carney shot on handheld digital cameras across Dublin, often guerrilla-style without permits. The raw, documentary-like aesthetic that resulted became one of the film’s most celebrated qualities, giving it an intimate, lived-in feel.
What is the age rating for Once?
Once is rated R in the United States, primarily due to strong language. The film itself is gentle and emotionally driven, with no violence or explicit content — so the rating may surprise some viewers expecting something harsher. It’s a quiet, heartfelt story suitable for mature teens and adults.
What movies are similar to Once?
If Once moved you, Begin Again (2014) — also directed by John Carney — is a natural next watch. Other films with a similar spirit include Press Play (2022), Purple Hearts (2022), and Still Crazy (1998). For something more art-house, The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005) and Lovers of the Arctic Circle (1998) are worth exploring.
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