The film leaves off on a perfect note of hopeful melancholy.

Human, savvy, funny, well observed; kudos to director Porumboiu for making something from nothing

Extremely clever filmmaking--sharp and very funny, but also challenging and packed with relevance.

The only problem with the new Romanian cinema seems to be titles few can easily remember - but some eccentricity is permissible when the films are so good.

A melancholy rumination on the failed hopes of Eastern Europe after the Cold War, infused with a sense of farce and the irrecoverable nature of the past.

A terrifically droll and slyly incisive comedy.

The central European tradition of failed aspirations, lost ideals and forlorn eccentrics goes back to early Forman, or indeed Chekhov, but the Latin Romanians bring their own awareness of the distant big city alternately beckoning and frightening.

It won the best first film award at Cannes; somehow, it doesn't seem quite substantial enough to justify that accolade.

Beautifully observed and very funny, this film is a real treat.