The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (2006)

While Lazarescu is descending on his nighttime journey toward zero, the film builds up an entire social world around him--one that is harrowing, funny, infuriating, outrageous and sometimes profoundly moving.

A harsh critique of the modern medical system, and though it takes place specifically in Romania, its events could be easily transferred elsewhere.

Mr. Lazarescu's ordeal will stick with you.

One of the the most remarkable medical dramas ever attempted.

Puiu's seemingly artless, documentary-style mise en scène, with the characters followed by a shoulder-mounted camera, conceals countless subtleties, foreshadowings and running themes.

...one of the best, most intriguing movies of the year. This is the kind of film that transcends borders and can talk to people worldwide.

There's something about Fiscuteanu's quietly desperate performance (with much of the emotion conveyed through his eyes), that gets under your skin.

Puiu is playful with his symbolism, as evidenced by his titular character's triple-loaded name, but his really astounding achievement is how he transforms commonplace scenes with shimmering alternate meaning.

"Extraordinary" is used here in both meanings of the word: highly unusual and exceptional.