The central characters grow and grow, the plot weaves them together and gently unfolds their histories. The acting is superb except for a couple of very minor characters who make you realise how good the others are. Ultimately a sad film but not a weepy nor depressing. I loved it.
William Hurt, Harold Perrineau jr, and Harvey Keitel have never been better than in this multi-stranded comedy drama that revolves around a cigar stall. The characters are engrossing and it's nice to see these great actors playing normal people. They really don't make 'em like this anymore. A real, quailty film full of engaging, funny, and believable characters... There is an improvised sequel - which isn't as good called Blue in the Face that proves lighting rarely strikes twice. Awesome work all round from Wayne Wang (director - where is he nowadays?) and author Paul Auster!
10 out of 10 - peerless in its class