Not done with the 1st month of 2017 when I saw this but this is officially my first new fave movie to watch this year. It has been on my ‘films to watch’ list for like a while after watching **Sing Street** - another **John Carney** film. And i did like his other film **Begin Again **(love the song Lost Stars). All have similar themes…not just music, but the process of making music. **I love the simplicity of Once** - feels more raw and natural (than Sing Steet and Begin Again). And the songs are really beautiful. I have been listening to it everyday. My top 2 favorite scenes are: Falling Slowly (video above) at the music shop - instant connection through music! Doesn’t have to be a love story between the guy and the girl, just relate and connect for their love for making music. Second one would be the recording studio scene: When Your Mind’s Made Up. I love how the guy who’s ‘pressing the buttons’ was like meh just here to work with whatever wannabee band, and then when they start to play he’s like…what is this? this is actually good - support! And from there it’s just something magical for all of them, that you know these musicians are in their element and will remember it for the rest of their lives, doing something that they are all so passionate about. Everyone inside the studio - just very endearing characters. Well I love the whole film so all the scenes are great. My favorite emotional song, Lies. It’s so powerful and heartbreaking, I think most relateable scene as well. Just might replace Garden State as my background film to play when I am doing something else, just to hear it. A must see for musicians and just music lovers like me.

Perfection and I fell slowly in love with this film. Challenge: Make an Indy hit with a tiny budget; "no name" actors in there; and use actors with no or limited acting experience. Have the plot be basic (Guy meets Girl early on), but realistic. Keep the characters relatable and add humour. Now make it a musical with at least 10 tracks. Oh and also, make sure an Oscar is won. THIS is just what this movie achieved and Im blown away by it. Hansard and Irglova are so believable in their roles, I didnt know they had such limited act experience. And the music they make together is glorious, heart felt and raw. This is the modern-day musical that people should watch. Not the over-rated Hamilton, or self indulgent La-La Land, or the tragedy that is Cats. This is just: love, music, people. And I love it (despite the tears it brings). (And reading up on this, I teared up again - There is a moment towards the end of the movie when Guy asks Girl whether she loves her husband. Girl responds, "No. I love you" (her response is unsubtitled), so Guy does not understand her). If you have a heart and love being moved by movies, watch this. WATCH THIS ASAP.