ALLAN HUNTER at the Movies

ONCE is the film’s world Cinderella story of the year. A low-budget musical from Ireland it has an unknown cast, modest production values and a distinct absence of special-effects or pyrotechnics.

What it does have is charm in abundance and that explains why it won the audience prize at the Sundance Film Festival and has mushroomed into a world-wide success story. It is virtually impossible to resist.

Set on the wintry streets of Dublin, Once is a love story with a delicate touch and a wistful quality that speaks straight to the heart. Glen Hansard is a busker with dreams of making a career from his music. Narketa Irglova is a young woman from the Czech Republic working hard to make a new life for herself and her family.

There is an instant connection between them, a meeting of like minds that hints at the possibility of a powerful true love but there are many complicating factors and individuals at work against them.

Filmed in a style so simple and intimate that it almost appears casual, ‘Once’ is the kind of film that quietly and steadily wraps you in its warm embrace.

The plaintive songs comment on the feelings of the two characters and also emerge organically from events as Hansard sets about recording an album or the two of them make the most of a trip to a music shop to create a haunting duet at the piano.

Both of the performers are fresh and believable and the film itself is carried along by sincerity and conviction. Incurable romantics should love it.

Selected nationwide release

Director: John Carney
Stars: Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova, Hugh Walsh, Gerry Hendrick, Alastair Foley
Screenwriter: John Carney
Certificate: 15
Running time: 88 mins
Country: Ireland
Year: 2006