The Death of Mr Lazarescu

This movie was the critics' darling when in came out in 2005, and it's easy to see why they loved it so much, which doesn't mean you should hate it. But you must be patient. Like 24, it unfolds in something close to real time, though, unlike the show, only one patient dies. It's a very solid example of naturalism, and gives you a pretty good feel for the lingering old Eastern Europe as it slides into the new. The main tension in the movie is between the humane feelings the surrounding characters show towards our rapidly degenerating hero and a wide range of dehumanizing, workaday disdain. But it's not like good guys bad guys. Most of the neighbors and medical staff come and go from caring the whole time.

If you can stomach two hours of characters and atmosphere, cat hair, urine, and obscure drug names and medical terminology, with almost no plot, but lots of humanity, you should definitely watch it.