Originally Posted by Michael:M

I think one of the things that differentiates this film from other romances and romantic comedies is that it helps you see how very lonely these two people are, and it doesn't make the loneliness funny or appealing. There is a strong shade of sadness to the story and acting, and it fits and helps (for me, at least) to lift the film above the usual dreck.

Having said that, the film is not a deliberate meditation on being single in the new millenium, nor is it aiming for gritty realism. It's more of a fable or legend, with fantastic elements, heartbreak and love, loneliness and companionship.