7 Chinese Brothers

7 Chinese Brothers is a 2015 American independent comedy-drama directed by Bob Byington. The film features actors Jason Schwartzman, Olympia Dukakis, Stephen Root, and Tunde Adebimpe. The film, named after a song by REM, showcases the mundanity as well as the humor innately present in everyday life.

The movie paints a compelling portrait of Larry, an unconventional protagonist portrayed eloquently by Jason Schwartzman, known for his roles in several films directed by Wes Anderson. Larry is an endearingly honest slacker with a propensity for finding trouble. His daily routines are not defined by ambition or personal growth; instead, they're determined by the little inconveniences and peculiar situations he constantly finds himself in. At its core, it is a slice-of-life portrayal where the comic moments are tinged with realistic melancholy and the tragedies subtly lighten with humor.

The narrative kicks off with Larry losing his job at a restaurant because of his constant drinking and because he can't restrain himself from giving customers inappropriately honest advice, which isn't always asked for or appreciated. Despite his notable quirks and shortcomings, Larry is equipped with a unique charm. His persistence is illustrated when he gains another job at a Quick Lube shop that gives him access to pharmaceuticals left by customers in their cars. Not looking to make a grand fortune or drastically change his lifestyle, he sees these found pharmaceuticals as a minor perk of the job.

One of the highlights of this film is Larry's endearing relationship with his grandmother, played by Olympia Dukakis. Although she has her own quirks and is considerably removed from the world in her own little ways, she serves as a moral compass for Larry. These two characters generate some genuinely heartwarming scenes that counterbalance Larry's otherwise reckless and aimless lifestyle. The narrative takes its time setting up their relationship, allowing the audience to slowly understand the depth and importance of their dynamic.

Tunde Adebimpe plays Major Norwood, an employee of the Quick Lube shop who quickly strikes up a friendship with Larry. Major is a sensitive and intelligent character who manages to strike a balance between his personal life and his job, unlike Larry. Stephen Root, known for his roles in Office Space and Dodgeball, also appears as Orvis, Larry's boss at Quick Lube, who too endears himself to the audience with his touching gruffness, despite often being the butt of Larry’s humor.

As the narrative unfolds, Larry becomes enamored with his supervisor Lupe, played by Eleanore Pienta, while still being in a dysfunctional relationship is with his ex, played by Alex Karpovsky. Schwartzman’s portrayal of Larry’s intricate relationships is indeed praiseworthy as he manages to infuse his character with an offbeat sense of humor while maintaining a level of vulnerability that allows the audience to empathize with him.

The cinematography, by Adam Ginsberg, enhances the film's narrative by echoing the protagonist's mundanity and chaos through its carefully composed shots. The soundtrack is innovative and adds a layer of nuancy to the narrative without overpowering it.

Director Bob Byington ensures the story's lightheartedness is mixed with enough introspective moments to keep the audience engaged. His direction ensures that the comedic aspects of the story never overshadows the character development and emotional depth.

Overall, ‘7 Chinese Brothers’ is a combination of soulful performances, introspective storytelling, and a captivating slice-of-life representation of the protagonist's daily struggles. While the film may not provide a grandiose cinematic experience, it offers a deeply human story that is both relatable and poignant. Its subtle humor and the nuanced performances by its ensemble cast make it a compelling watch.