Once (bc30)
一奏傾情 (bc30)
How often do you find the right person?
7.4/10 Good 1504 votes
- Released
- 17 Sep 2026
- Runtime
- 87 min
- Certificate
- Category IIB
- Original title
- Once
- Language
- en
The verdict
Audiences rate it 7.4 out of 10 on TMDB across 1,504 votes — a solid score. It is not currently playing in Hong Kong cinemas. Category IIB · 87 minutes.
What it is about
A modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin.
A vacuum repairman moonlights as a street musician and hopes for his big break. One day a Czech immigrant, who earns a living selling flowers, approaches him with the news that she is also an aspiring singer-songwriter. The pair decide to collaborate, and the songs that they compose reflect the story of their blossoming love.
What to expect
A Dublin busker who fixes vacuums by day crosses paths with a Czech flower seller who also writes songs. They spend a week making music together, and the songs they record carry the weight of what is growing between them. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova play the unnamed pair, and because both are musicians first and actors second, the performances feel unpolished in the right way — the studio scenes land because you believe they are actually playing. At 87 minutes the movie does not overstay, though anyone expecting a conventional romance should know it is more interested in the ache of a connection that may not last than in tidy resolutions.
Hong Kong release is 17 September 2026, IIB, standard format only with Chinese subtitles. Audience score sits at 7.4 from over 1,500 votes — warm but not ecstatic, which tracks for a movie this quiet.
Trailer
Cast
-
Glen Hansard
Guy -
Marketa Irglova
Girl - Hugh Walsh Timmy Drummer
- Gerard Hendrick Lead Guitarist
- Alaistair Foley Bassist
-
Geoff Minogue
Eamon - Bill Hodnett Guy's Dad
- Danuse Ktrestova Girl's Mother
-
Darren Healy
Heroin Addict -
Mal Whyte
Bill -
Marcella Plunkett
Ex Girlfriend - Niall Cleary Bob
- Wiltold Owski Man Watching TV
- Krzysztos Tlotka Man Watching TV
- Tomek Glowacki Man Watching TV
Crew
- Director John Carney
- Screenplay John Carney
- Original Music Composer Glen Hansard
- Original Music Composer Marketa Irglova
- Director of Photography Tim Fleming
- Editor Paul Mullen
- Producer Martina Niland
- Executive Producer David Collins
What viewers said
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). […]
lmao7 — 10/10 · read in full
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. […]
sykobanana — 10/10 · read in full
Common questions
- How long is the movie?
- 87 minutes.
- What is the Hong Kong certificate?
- IIB — suitable for those aged 18 and above, or 13 and above at the cinema's discretion.
- What language is it in, and are there subtitles?
- English, with Chinese subtitles.
- Is it showing in IMAX or 3D?
- No, standard format only.
