John Carney’s surprising sleeper hit made on a meager budget of 150,000 dollars, “Once” is an Irish musical romance set in Dublin and starring Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who also composed and performed all the songs heard in the movie. The film was also a critical success, winning an Oscar or the best original song, as well as the Independent Spirit award for the best foreign picture. A thirty something Dublin street musician, referred to in the film as “The Guy”, meets a young Czech immigrant flower seller (“The Girl”) who is infatuated with his music. When The Guy learns that The Girl can sing and play the piano, they quickly become songwriting and performing partners. They also begin to grow feelings for one another as they try to kick off their musical career. However, The Girl is reluctant to go through and start a relationship with The Guy, since she has a young daughter, as well as a husband she left behind in Czech Republic. The Guy realizes that the only way he could put their career on the fast track is to go to London. The poor musicians scrounge for cash to record a decent demo. The Guy wants The Girl to join him in London, but she refuses. On the eve of his departure, they agree to spend the night together, but The Girl backs out of the deal, afraid that it would only further complicate her already complicated enough life.
Chris O'Dowd never returns borrowed designer suits
