itsnotrafi It's criminal how underrated this film is! All the songs are great, and the storyline was so in tune with reality. I went in to see another teen movie about the struggles of reaching your dream, but I got so much more. Life in a broken home, blind devotion, repairing friendships, it was all so beautifully done and all seemed really smooth.I can understand that certain elements of the film may not make it suitable for worldwide distribution (the romance between two minors is prime example), but damn. This is criminally underrated, and arguably more enjoyable than the other musical film that stole 2016.

veronicaannehill Just caught this on Netflix. What a surprise! Great movie with catchy music. Reminded me of being in Dublin as a teen in the early 80s. So cute.

Mark Ritchie II I have to start this recommendation by saying that I'm a HUGE fan of the director John Carney. 'Once' is one of my all time favorite movies and I love his style and blend of original music with storytelling. Here we have a really great coming of age story about a young boy (Conor) that has to adjust to changing home life as well as a nightmarish new school, how does he manage this...music. For anyone who enjoyed music growing up it'd be hard to deny that it helps shape youths as well as often help you cope or breathe hope and joy into the everyday challenge of just figuring out life as you mature. That pretty much is the essence of the story, listening to and creating his own music is the tool to help him get the girl of his dreams and possibly forge a new future in the backdrop of a jobless and fairly lifeless Dublin, Ireland of the mid 1980s. The original music from the movie is fantastic and it sounds like it could have been released at the same time as many of the bands Conor is influenced by such as 'Duran Duran', and 'The Cure.' The whole admiration of music and specifically the new era of music video as a new art is all really authentic, and to me his brother Brenan really is the best character in the movie as the idealist pothead who wants his brother to chase the dreams he didn't. Their final moment together was probably the best part of the movie.Its rare that I watch a movie that I want to see again immediately after I see it but that's precisely how I felt. This really is unique and has something to offer everyone from drama, laughs, and a few tugs on the heartstrings all set to a back drop of really great music.A MUST SEE!!

afrikajump Amazing work. Music is a beautiful thing and this film shows an example of how it cannot be repressed or contained, how it is a tool for reforming people, and coping with situations.And art is an attractive thing. Finally, Rest in peace to Vera Nwabuwe who played Ngig's mum. I was sad to find out she's passed in real life <3