Blending action, time travel and heartfelt drama, the film posits a future in which Japan has conquered Korea and won World War II.

But in Zhang Yimou's heartfelt drama NOT ONE LESS (1999), there's a catch.

Honeycutt goes on to say that the score and cinematography brought "notable sparkle to this heartfelt drama."

Noting that the film has "hints of heartfelt drama, flashes of compelling characters, [and] echoes of true connection," he felt some of the film's best moments came in its smaller scenes.

Beyond metaphysics, though, there is a heartfelt drama worthy of O'Neill, involving bloodlines, wounded pride and the meaning of a handshake.

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone rated the film 3 out of four stars, calling it "a heartfelt human drama that sneaks up and floors you."

The heartfelt drama plunges at one point into a witty cop story, as the great Egyptian actor Maged El Kedwany investigates the stabbings-to the groin-of male bus passengers.

About.com's Deb Aoki praised the first volume for its "heartfelt drama and slice-of-life comedy", uncluttered artwork, storytelling, and the relationship between Daikichi and Rin.

But as you sift through the rubble, you keep finding signs of life: hints of heartfelt drama, flashes of compelling characters, echoes of true connection.

Mr. Weller, best known for such heartfelt dramas as "Moonchildren" and "Spoils of War," is in a less than compassionate mood here.