This film was a revelation, in more ways than one. First-time (and completely inexperienced) filmmaker Marc Singer had heard about a group of homeless people living in the train tunnels under Penn Station in New York City. After getting to know them for more than three months, he came up with the idea of making a documentary film about their lives. He thought that he could use the money the film made to find housing for all of them. The "subjects" of this documentary were full-fledged participants in the resulting film, serving as crew as well as cast. Singer lived with these people, out of love and sometimes necessity (he ran out of money for the film and was himself homeless for a while), and he lovingly portrays the humanity of this community. And it is a community in every sense. People build their own shacks underground, furnish them with found items, and are even able to hook up electricity. I can't say enough about this film. This might be the only DVD I've ever watched straight through twice, just so I could hear Singer's fascinating commentary. There's also a 45-minute "making-of" which is essential viewing. A perfect soundtrack from DJ Shadow and a hopeful ending round out the experience. A must-see. (10/10)
