AllMovie

This compelling German-Swiss drama offers subtle commentary and insight into the difficulties faced by Third World refugees who come to Germany. The story of a Pakistani refugee trying to make a living in Hamburg is simply and directly told in a way that enhances filmmaker Jan Schutte's desire to present the characters' struggles with humanity and dignity rather than bludgeoning the audience with his larger point that the German government tends to victimize such immigrants while society unconsciously alienates them. At the same time, the story also contains an upbeat tribute to the human spirit's ability to rise up in the face of adversity.