Subtle, Delicate, Real

Rating: 9/10 (4 July 2014)

I admit that I saw the stage musical before renting the movie. They are both so touching and so human. The relationship that develops between the young street musician and the pretty Czech girl pulls us along with a velvet rope. It is cinematically stunning. I loved watching the two of them walking down the street, she pulling her "Hoover" which he fixes for her. It's like a puppy on a leash. The charm of their interaction and ultimate love must face the factors of her fragile marriage and her effort to maintain a life for her daughter and her "mudder." He is on the verge of having success with his songwriting and performing and he must weigh that against pursuing his hopes for becoming a part of his life. It's sad but positive; loving and real. The acting is superb as they tussle with the hand they've been dealt. At no time does it become maudlin or predictable. Also, the music is striking and often sad. This is a true sleeper of a movie.