Once features so simple a concept that the film ends up being quite disarming. Set in Dublin, it's a boy-meets-girl love tale where both protagonists also happen to be musicians; as such, much of what they feel is expressed through the music they play and the songs they sing.

I know this sounds suspiciously like a musical, and although Once certainly qualifies as a movie belonging to that genre, it isn't what most people expect from a musical because the characters sing the songs in the context of their realistic environment (either that, or the songs are sung-over certain scenes as the soundtrack). Although no one bursts into song here, the music and lyrics are still integral to the story, where the songs are a more subtle, rather than literal, expression of thoughts, feelings, and desires.

However, to talk here only about the technique, which is executed seamlessly and transparently, would do the movie a disservice. Grubby, gritty, tender and sweet, enamoured with the working class, with a realistic outlook in place of a dreamy romantic one, Once is  characteristically Irish with a nice touch of modern borders-aware sensibility -- as indicated by the man's object of affection being an immigrant Czech woman. Exploring the complications of an illicit love without ever overselling the point, it's no-nonsense with a big, burdened heart shown mostly in the music written and performed by the main actors (Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová). The movie's appealing music enhances its story, especially if you like Irish-flavored acoustic rock ballads.

Once deftly communicates the magic of making connections through music. Looking at those connections with a grounded romanticism, this film emerges as a top viewing choice for the musically-inclined cynical idealist. (Capsule review)

(Released by Fox Searchlight and rated "R" for language.)

Review also posted at www.windowtothemovies.com.