Once

On the surface, a Dublin vacuum repairman spends his nights turning street corners into makeshift stages, chasing a real chance at a bigger life. His routine shifts when a Czech flower seller arrives with confidence and reveals she writes songs too. They decide to collaborate, building songs that reflect their bond and the awkward warmth of strangers learning to trust one another. As they busk for spare change, record in a shabby studio, and share intimate moments, their musical partnership becomes a doorway to something gentler and deeper, without revealing their pasts or fears too soon. The simple score uses guitar and piano to mirror their courage. Its style relies on close ups and natural light for music lovers everywhere.

Directed by John Carney, Once is based on an original screenplay produced on a shoestring budget of about 160,000 dollars. It features Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova performing in Dublin's intimate streets and studios. Its minimalist approach is widely praised.

Once earned broad acclaim in festivals and theaters and went on to gross about 20,710,513 worldwide, truly a remarkable return on its tiny budget and a testament to its word of mouth appeal. Its success helped spur similar indie bets.

It earned the highest honor at the Oscars with Best Original Song for Falling Slowly, winning the Academy Award in 2008. It also boosted the careers of the two leads, for both. The achievement underscored the film's music driven storytelling and helped nudge the indie romance into the mainstream conversation.

Critics praised its grounded performances and how the songs arise from character and moment rather than sentimentality. The film looks at connection through vulnerability, collaboration, and commitment, turning a simple street encounter into a resonant story about making space for possibility in intimate, plainspoken fashion for fans of intimate cinema.