An original, moving, wonderfully-acted film. Will become a classic.

Rating: 9/10 (16 February 2001)

This is a lovely movie! Original, emotionally gripping and, most unusual these days, the major characters come to grips with differences in their lives and grow from their encounters! My only caveat is the ending, which lent an aura of saccharine -- the movie could have ended with Billy on the bus -- and should have. In many ways the ambience, characters, pacing all remind me of "The Bicycle Thief" -- high praise indeed!. How this film failed to garner multiple Oscar nominations is a mystery, particularly when contrasted with bloated costume dramas like The Gladiator!