This movie was made on a budget of 100,000 euros (just over $130,000), and what it lacks in special effects, famous stars and expensive sets it makes up for tenfold in character, purity and raw talent. This is the story of a busker in Dublin and his friendship with another musician. It is simple, beautiful and real.

Anyone who loves music and wants to watch a no-frills, character-driven story about musicians.

The songs, which make up about 50 per cent of the film's running time, are powerful and beautiful in their own right. No wonder one of them won an Academy Award.

Buy the soundtrack.

Warm inside. I know that's a cliche, but it's true.

The two main characters are played by musicians, neither of whom were actors before starring in this movie. You wouldn't know it from watching. They are so natural (helped by the fact that they are friends in real life) and they carry the story perfectly.

It's unusual; it is unlike many films I've seen, particularly in recent years. It's a real independent, small movie — and it's heart-warming to know such a thing still exists.

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Created May 19, 2009 at 5:36pm • Submit your own review...