Man Push Cart

In recent years, a new group of American realist films have cropped up, many of which depict the continual struggle of poverty. One might question the need for more films on the indigent. Plenty have been made already; the best, "The Bicycle Thief," was released 52 years ago.

But there is still an important place for poverty in cinema--and not just because the recent Great Recession. We must continually be reminded of the plight of the impoverished, as well as how fortunate those of us are who do not endure it.

"Man Push Cart" depicts the life of Ahmad, a Pakistani immigrant who runs a push cart stand in New York City. It's brutal work, in its way; Ahmad leaves home at 2 AM to pull his cart on busy streets.

Ahmad has a rather amazing background as well. He was a pop star in Pakistan before leaving for New York to be with his now-dead wife. These details emerge gradually, but without unnecessary hesitation or suspense. He also has a burgeoning romance with a woman running a newstand, for whom he must compete with a much richer rival.

First-time director Ramin Bahrani eschews fancy camerawork, instead relying on his keen observational eye to make his points. The camera holds on a Mercedes dealership Ahmad passes, or a partially spent cigarette he carefully saves while helping a customer. Bahrani reveals societal inequities without rubbing our noses in them. He weaves a rather depressing tale, but does it with a matter-of-fact air. Poverty in America need not be romanticized. Its plain reality should be enough to move us.