Once is a 2007 Irish romantic musical drama film written and directed by John Carney. The film stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová as two struggling musicians in Dublin, Ireland. Once is a musical based on the 2007 film of the same name by John Carney. Like the film, music and lyrics were by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, including the Academy Award-winning Falling Slowly. The book for the musical was written by Enda Walsh. ONCE definition: 1. one single time: 2. at the same time: 3. used when something happens that does not usually…. Learn more. Once's mission is to provide a pressure-free space for those who seek meaningful connections, improved social skills, and guidance in personal life – without the stress of dating and the fear of rejection. Once: Directed by John Carney. With Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh, Gerard Hendrick. A modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story. The meaning of ONCE is one time and no more. How to use once in a sentence. Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who won an Academy Award for the 2007 film “Once,” died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin early Wednesday, his management said.