Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Once is an endearing indie romance. Although there's a fair amount of swearing -- particularly "f--k" -- hardly anything else would raise a flag for teens and up. In fact, it's one of the few love stories that doesn't require its leads to get naked or fall in bed together. A thief does try to make off with the musician's street earnings, and there's some bitter talk of past breakups, plenty of beer drinking, and flirtation between a married woman and a single man (even though both know she's still married). But the positive messages about love and emotional connection outweigh any iffiness.

Sexual Content

A man propositions a woman, but indirectly and awkwardly. One mention of "hanky panky," but in a jovial, respectful manner. Sexual tension, but the focus is on the couple's burgeoning emotional attachment, not what would happen if they got naked.

Violence

No overt violence, but some potentially upsetting scenes related to poverty -- families shoehorned into very small apartments, for instance.

Language

Lots of swearing, usually involving "f--k" -- as in "for f--k's sake" and "f--king brilliant."

Social Behavior

Lots of emphasis is placed on pursuing your dreams, and the couple is very supportive of each other's wants and needs.

Consumerism

Very little, though the street musician sings in front of a CD store with the name fully displayed.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some smoking in pubs; lots of drinking in social situations.