Man Push Cart is the first feature from Iranian-American independent filmmaker Ramin Bahrani, who specializes in portraits of American immigrants. Before we we're introduced to his kindly African cab driver in Raleigh in Goodbye Solo or his young Latino boy selling car parts in the shadow of Shea Stadium in Chop Shop, we were introduced to Ahmad, a Pakistani ex-rock star selling coffee, donuts, and bootleg DVDs to busy Manhattan residents. As the story progresses we learn about Ahmad's situation and his past, and join him as he forms sadly tenuous relationships. Man Push Cart is an excellent debut for Bahrani but a far cry from his best work. It does contain moments of power in a story brought to the screen in an unconventional manner.
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