Goodbye Solo

The storyline had no point, characters remained undeveloped. I don't understand why there are so many good reviews for this movie. The acting was average, the script was average, and the plot was no good.

I am amazed that critics for such esteemed publications as those listed above could be so blind to this film's constant errors in continuity, which amount to amateurishness. Or are all tomatoes for sale these days? The Internet has diluted standards of discernment to an appalling degree: it seems any old hack can write about movies now and call himself a critic. In the film's favor, both principals are good actors, and give natural and understated performances. The cinematography is superb, and I also very much appreciate the almost complete absence of extra-diegetic music. For that, it gets two stars. But it reads like a first draft that never made it into the hands of a capable revisionist. However he fancies himself, Mr. Bahrani is not a writer. Continuity issues aside, there is very little substance here, and no accumulation: I should have been weeping at the climax, but instead found myself heading to the freezer for more Haagen-Dazs. Bahrani should stick to directing and producing, and, if he simply MUST write because the celluloid gods lied to him in a dream about his talents, at least give his scripts to someone who understands the fundamentals of screenwriting so they can be edited to more completely fulfill his artistic intentions, since he is clearly incapable of fulfilling them himself. I mean, even my dog was snickering Mutley-style at the flubs. As a barometric correlative: 95% wants to put this piece 24% above such a masterpiece as The Night of the Iguana. Eh? I hereby declare rotten tomatoes rancid.

After purchasing a movie yesterday and commenting on it, I noticed the movie “Goodbye Solo.” I read the reviews, here on Itunes, and I read the reviews for this movie at several other sites; it seemed like my kind of movie. I have always had a heart that feels deeply for others; this includes feeling emotional pain when others are hurting. I read one review where an individual wrote, “I wanted to be moved emotionally, but this film didn’t do it for me.” In spite of all the other reviews that gave high marks, I took a chance that this movie would not touch me too much; I was wrong! This movie seemed to truly move me. In regards to the character Solo, I wish that everyone in this world had a heart like his, but that’s just not possible; however, if it were possible, this world would be a much better place for us all. Without the actor that played the William character, this movie would not have been as emotional for me as it was. Even though this may have just been a fictional movie, William does indeed exist; this is why it touched me so deeply. I truly felt the pain of despair of William’s character, and I wanted very much for the ending to be different, but the movie’s ending, just like real life, is not always the ending that we’d like. When the despair of the world has weighed so heavily upon an individual, such as the William character, I may be alone in my thinking, but it would be unfair to ask anyone to continue to feel such despair from day to day. More than anything, the movie reinforces the need for all of us to borrow a passage from the Christian Bible. I don’t believe in gods, but I do know that individuals that do are justified in treasuring their holy books, because there are many passages that sooth the hearts and minds of people like me, who don’t believe in gods, but I do believe in the power of words and actions. I recall a passage from the Christian Bible that speaks about being my brother’s keeper. Just like the Solo character, I too feel the need to be my brother’s keeper at times. It’s an individual choice to allow one to feel for his/her fellow man/woman; in so doing, an individual may sometimes feel emotional turmoil, because he/she can’t control the outcome for the individual that he/she seeks to comfort/help, but that’s the price that we all must pay for caring about others. This is a very sad movie, but it’s good to allow the heart to feel for others, even if it does lead to emotional discomfort.

my papa was william.

I thought the movie was cute and to the point it was a great movie to watch The guy who plays William in the movie was just a great actor Enjoy This One

I know that this is an independent film and they tend to get a little slow at times. However, I rented the movie to see if it would evoke some emotion in me. The acting was ok at best and the plot was rather transparent. It's a strong story but I regret spending money on watching this.

This is a good movie and worth the rental. The character of "solo" is very likable and it's a good story. I was not a big fan of the ending, but I would still recommend the movie. You can't help but love "solo", the cab driver. For me, it's a must rent, but not a must buy.

From supremely talented director Ramin Bahrani, who brought us Man Push Cart and Chop Shop, this lyrical tale captivates. With magic, mysticism and a bit of a riddle, standout actor Souleymane as the Sengalese driver Solo takes us on a most poignant ride. Red West, a favorite character actor from old Westerns, here appears as William, who may or may not be journeying to the mountain top for his ultimate farewell. As with Bahrani's earlier works, this film dazzels with a strong supporting cast. Hands down, this generation's most important filmmaker. Not to be missed!

sorry, this movie is a waste of time.... i really tried but i couldn't....

A great and rare piece of film-making: powerful story, amazing performances and superb direction. Raises questions that you will continue to ponder for weeks after seeing the film; makes you care deeply for characters while challenging commonly accepted notions of the obligations that such care calls us to; and made very real and engrossing by the extraordinary direction and storytelling of Ramin Bahrani. More than anything, though, the grace of Goodbye Solo is that it will leave you with a profound sense of gratitude and wonder. Thank you Ramin Bahrani!