Fortunately the film survives these shortcomings through its sheer breezy good nature and the animal magnetism of its two stars.

Familiar in theme, but given a delightfully fresh flavour by Mulligan's atmospherically low-key direction, excellent performances from Wood and McQueen, and vivid location shooting in New York's Little Italy.

The picture itself is diverting, but weak on that main romantic point.

A bracingly mature film that tackles weighty issues in an intelligent and sober manner -- at least until the home stretch.