Very interesting character study set in a simple enough story.

Nice character study that builds upon a foundation that I was never able to accept. When we first meet the two main characters, West is so impossibly hostile that Savane's CONTINUOUS attempts to reach him struck me as unbelievable. I kept waiting for some kind of revelation that explained hi's saint-like patience, but no. And if Savane (who did a GREAT job) is supposed to be a stand-in for "unabashed hope", I don't buy that because it cheapens his character, who was more than a 1-note "idea".

This kind of movies are as good as their characters. A truly sad story, and it doesn't beat you with stupid emotional manipulations. All of the actors are unknown in cinema world, but that doesn't stop them from delivering solid performances. Sy Savante's acting ability was rewarded in numerous film festivals, and that IS something. It is a small film, and that works for and against it. In then end I liked it, but it didn't leave much of an impression. Worth seeing.

Souleymane is so charismatic, his pleasant demeanor and temperament so infectious, that we instantly get to feel like we know him well. The strength in the purity of the work by Barahni and his contemporaries is exactly this, the oppurtunity to familiarize oneself with characters and milieus that seem fresh and real. The line between truth and construct is a fine one, though, and I think the rather conventional narrative in the film somehow swings it towards the latter. Still, count me as a fan.

Souleymane Sy Savane creates one of the most instantly likable characters I've seen in a while. Red West is also very good. It's these two actors/characters and their relationship that make this film so engaging. I'm still ambivalent about the ending, though. (What happens when Souleymane stares off the cliff?)

Bahrani and Savane absolutely nail the patois and milieu; the great strength here is the window into Solo's everyday life. Bahrani wisely allows an unsanitized look at his lead, deftly avoiding the trap of the magical negro. The plot itself is a little heavily constructed, and both lead roles suffer slightly from being so locked into the end result, while Galindo can't quite keep up with them. But on the whole, a touching, empathetic piece of film, and well worth it for Souleymane's performance.

This would make an interesting companion piece to TASTE OF CHERRY. Savane is stupendous in the lead, instantly likeable. I was drawn completely into his concern for his passenger, and their relationship is touching yet free of easy sentimentality. Bahrani's style is fluent but unobtrusive, he has a talent for capturing faces. As the film winds towards its conclusion, there is dread but also a sense of life-affirming hope. A beautiful and enthralling movie, highlighted by Savane's performance.

"Solo confronts a less-than-jolly existence with a perpetual smile and helping hand, his upbeat, selfless attitude a means of repelling the harsh realities that threaten to break his spirit." - Nick Schager

A very poignant story. No single component of the film is particularly spectacular, though as a whole it is leagues ahead of any fluffy hollywood melodrama dealing with suicide.

Stunning movie about how far one can go to care for a stranger. The performances are excellent and the story is wonderful.

Corny movie with a predictable end.

Why don't families in America stay together?

While not groundbreaking in presentation, the quality of the work and its subtlety not only makes it unique but an exceptionally great film from the USA too. Souleymane Sy Savane is a fantastic lead, who deserves a good acting career, but Red West and the rest of the cast add just as much to the film. It can be compared to the Abbas Kiarostami film 'A Taste of Cherry' in terms of similar themes, and in some ways it is a much superior film to it.

Small, but likable film. Great characters.

This should be a 2009 release...

This was surprisingly good.

Exhibits all the problems and good aspects of character studies. Gets kind of boring at times and 'rambles' on. But some scenes are pretty good.

07 Nisan 09, 13:30, yeni ruya, 28. ist. film fest. & bahrani'den yine bir gocmen hikayesi. olculu, dokunakli yer yer gulumseten... filmin adi, basroldeki amcanin, herkesin bu repligi sgylemesini bekledi%u011Fi bi anda, tek kelime etmemesinden geliyor. yonetmen yine basit bir hikayeyi basari bir sekilde anlatmis. chop shop'ta oldugu gibi...

The story is simple but engaging and the characters are wonderful - full, fresh, and authentic. Savane is so charming and vibrant that he is always a joy to watch. In the last third of the film the two characters are perhaps pushed a bit too far (West is too adamant, Savane is too dedicated), but it's redeemed by an ending that is as satisfying as it is beautiful.

Heartwarming and -breaking at the same time. Savane was simply fantastic as the overeager but disarmingly charming cab driver. Not mindblowing, but beautiful in its subtlety. No grand dramatic gestures, and the movie is all the better for it.

Pure.

Good Movie