Respectable film. I must say though that the story itself … the whole two-unlikely-friends thing is less than satisfying. However, Bahrani’s approach and the film’s tone did indeed work for me. The characters are alive and the ending is dramatic (almost breathtaking) yet subtle. The absolute lack of a musical score is thrilling and deserves praise. It is carefully crafted realist cinema; a contemplation on life, aging, and relationships with a 21st century global perspective.

That all being said, with or without a musical score, with or without professional actors, with or without flashy cinematography, this is basic kitchen sink melodrama in three acts.