Fallen Leaves

There's a lovely scene in this film where "Holappa" (Jussi Vatanen) and his mate are in an Helsinki karaoke bar staffed by a motionless barman who looks like he's straight out a zombie movie! Talking of zombie movies, the story follows the lives of this fellow and of "Ansa" (Alma Pöysti) whose first date at the local "Ritz" cinema is ecactly that - unlikely fodder for a burgeoning romance - even if their post film chat afterwards is under the gaze of a "Brief Encounter" poster. She has recently been fired for pinching some out-of-date food from the supermarket in which she worked. He's been fired a few times for too many vodka breaks at work. Her latest boss is arrested for drug dealing and that's when they first meet. They click, they go for a coffee - then that cinema trip ensues. Thing is, she has views on excessive drinking - it has profoundly affected members of her family. He's a bit of an ass about that - but perhaps she's had more of an impact on him than he realised. Maybe he can give up? Maybe she'll give him another chance? The humour here is plentiful but really quite dark and subtle. There are plot developments that we probably ought not to laugh at, but we do - and the ending leaves us hoping but not knowing. It's not exactly laugh out loud but you'll get plenty to smile about if you keep your wits about you for eighty minutes. Perhaps not a film the Finnish Culture Ministry would be too fond of - but I enjoyed it.

It's a romantic comedy set in Helsinki, Finland in 2024. It follows two lonesome souls who try to connect despite many obstacles, some of them self-inflicted. Ansa (Alma Pöysti) is the lonely single woman; her best friend is Liisa (Nuppu Koivu). Holappa (Jussi Vatanen) is the single guy; his best friend is Huotari (Janne Hyytiäinen). Ansa and Holappa are at the bottom of the labor market and have difficulty holding jobs. One of Holappa's problems is his love of alcohol. Ansa and Holappa first experience sparks at a karaoke bar, but don't actually meet for a while. After they do, one thing after another complicates their potential relationship. It all takes place against the background of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, posters of old movies and events, and music describing the emotions of the characters at that particular point in time. And, despite their plights, the characters all have a sarcastic sense of humor. "Fallen Leaves" is a delightful comedy that works even for an English audience. I laughed frequently in the mostly empty theater. The four main characters all excellently portray universal humanity. The filming is quirky, and some settings, like furniture and radios, don't reflect 2024, thus lending a touch of unreality.

For anyone who has never watched a Finnish comedy before, you may struggle with this one. The humour is a level more subtle than British comedy, so don't expect big slapstick laughs. The humour in Fallen Leaves lies mostly in the delivery from its characters, very understated and at times in contrast to the situations they find themselves in. Romance can come in many different guises and this film really showcases that. There are no grand sweeping gestures from our protagonists, instead just small moments and offerings; a cinnamon bun, a cup of coffee, a meal thoughtfully cooked. It's also desperately sad at times (I won't divulge why and give any spoilers) but I believe it opens up at the end to true optimism. Very unique little film in today's industry.

Aki Kaurismäki is definitely one of the highlights of Finnish cinema, being a very internationally acclaimed director and one who has provided a vast number of incredible dramas, with some well written humour in them. This one falls very much into his typical low-key, subtle and funny exploration of the human psyche, being somewhat Roy Anderson-esque in the best of ways. The actors all do an incredible job, and the script is simply masterful, truly an incredible achievement. The cinematography, cutting and editing is splendid, very subtle and scaled back, and in line with Kaurismäki's style. Overall, very likely one of the director's better films, one of the best of the year, and one which is highly recommended for any lover of film!