"During the daytime people would want to hear songs that they know, just songs that they recognize. I play these song at night or I wouldn't make any money. People wouldn't listen."

I have never really seen a movie like Once. You could compare it to Lost in Translation, but that would neglect the music. You could compare it to Before Sunrise, but that would neglect the scope. You could compare it to a series of music videos (really, really good music videos), but that would neglect the characters.

That last description, though, would probably be the most accurate. Writer/director John Carney presents us with two characters (played with effortless naturalism by Markéta Irglová and The Frames' Glen Hansard) who fall into what can be best described as real-life music videos. Just watching their relationship develop is charming enough, but the music. Oh, the music. Suffice it to say if I could have downloaded the soundtrack in the theater during the film, I would have.

(Also, as a songwriter, I can tell you this film has some of the most realistic depictions of songwriting I've ever seen.)

There is little more to say about the film because so much of it is in the viewing (and hearing). This is the kind of film that makes me use hackneyed terms like "magical" sincerely. It's an experience. An honest, unironic experience. No war. No crime. Just solid, unique filmmaking.