An emotionally honest film that deftly avoids cliché, Once rode an astoundingly good soundtrack (which, in a rare fairy tale ending, ended up winning an Oscar) and a romantic plot that didn’t rely on needless conflict or even an actual romantic relationship, to significant worldwide success. The hand-held, shaky camera adds to the legitimacy of what is on-screen, beautifully complimenting the cobbled together nature of the relationship between a lonely busker and fiercely independent flower seller – which never blossoms beyond friendship but which fills a hole that has left both of them yearning.
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