Fallen Leaves (2023) User Reviews

Boy meets girl

[norbert-plan-618-715813 · 8/10 · 31 October 2023]

A film brimming with charm, thanks to its human characters, struggling in their own way to make a living. She's a cashier, moving from job to job. She owns her own apartment. He's a manual laborer who works in a factory, but drinks. And he goes from job to job. They cross paths. They're both alone. They're drawn to each other. Girl meets boy. Boy meets girl. They're both shy. But there will be grains of sand in the mechanics of their relationship. Aki Kaurismäki doses the construction of this couple perfectly.

Aki Kaurismäki sprinkles his film with references (Jean-Luc Godard, George A. Romero, for example). The result is a short film, and all the better for it. There are no unnecessary sequences here. There's no extra-diegetic music. Without going too fast, Aki Kaurismäki builds the love story between the characters. A film to warm the heart.

a spartan gem

[ferguson-6 · 8/10 · 29 November 2023]

Greetings again from the darkness. Finland is often listed as the country having the happiest people, and this latest from writer-director Aki Kaurismaki (Oscar nominated THE MAN WITHOUT A PAST, 2002) arrives to make sure we never again believe this. It's not that the film is oppressively sad, but it does focus on loneliness ... especially that of the two main characters.

These two leads are Alma Poysti as Ansa and Jussi Vatanen as Holappa. The timeline of their relationship goes something like this: They notice each other on karaoke night at the local tavern, but they don't speak to each other. They cross paths at a bus stop, again not speaking. When they finally do meet, they go for coffee and a movie (Jim Jarmusch's zombie flick, THE DEAD DON'T DIE). He then loses her phone number. They almost meet a couple of times outside the cinema (where a Bardot poster is displayed), but just miss each other. When they do meet again, they part ways over a 'deal-breaker'. She adopts a stray dog she initially names "dog". When they meet again, they don't speak.

Some may call this progression dry, but with filmmaker Kaurismaki at the helm, a better description is wry. Ansa expertly sports a forlorn look most of the time. The only exception is when she flashes subtle signs of hopefulness when she looks at Holappa. On the other hand, he spends most every day and evening guzzling from a glass, a bottle, or a flask ... a habit that costs him various jobs. His circular reasoning is explained as: "I'm depressed because I drink and I drink because I'm depressed." Adding to the tone are reports of Russia's invasion of Ukraine every time Ansa clicks on her kitchen radio.

Ansa has a friend named Tanya (Alina Tomnikov) and Holappa has a buddy named Huotari (Janne Hyytiainen). He is attracted to her and she admires his singing voice, yet deems him too old to date. These two characters could have been expanded, but Kaurismaki is so efficient at storytelling that the film barely lasts 80 minutes. Static shots and wordless exchanges fill much of the time, each scene with a definitive purpose that we fully understand. Personally, I've rarely been so filled with hope as watching Ansa purchase a single plate and corresponding utensils.

The film is spartan and quiet, yet the deadpan characters feel real and fully developed despite minimal dialogue. There is certainly a message about alcoholism and how outside forces can have such an impact, and yet the film seizes on Ansa's hope for a better day. Kaurismaki's film won a Jury Prize at Cannes, and is Finland's submission for Best International Feature Film. For those who thrive on intimate cinema, it's a gem ... and for those who doubt that "happiest country" label for Finland, you now have your supporting documentation.

Opened in NYC and Los Angeles on November 22, 2023, other cities to follow.

Subtle optimism

[minij · 8/10 · 7 December 2023]

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.

The movie in its own class

[support-87320 · 9/10 · 16 September 2023]

It's is hard to believe that movies like Falles leaves are produced in 2020's. It's so unique and perfectly acted movie. The movie proves the fact that the content in movies matters. Not marketing nor special effects.

The movie, like other Aki Kaurismäki movies are entire own world. People are without rush, there is no glory or other waste. I would save the movie atmosphere is a bit surrealistic, that makes it fascinating to watch. Some times the movie is time trip, but some times Fallen leaves show the ugly faces of modern society.

It contains also some sense of humor without jokes. I like this movie a lot, but I am middle aged man. How does the movie work with younger people? For me, the movie good and inspiring experience.

A movie that left me full of joy

[ocupadoemnascer · 9/10 · 8 October 2023]

Fallen Leaves is a rather short movie but very dense in content. The acting, the dialogues, the sets are austere, which can feel unattractive for many people used to the usual bombardment of images. But this minimalistic direction leaves an immense space for emotions.

The characters have precarious lives. They are confronted daily with the pains and the hardships of the working-classes: bad bosses, poverty, unemployment, addiction. On this background of darkness, the movie manages to remain light and even funny. Life feels fragile and yet, the characters also find solidarity, hope, and love. That might be the political and poetic meaning of this movie.

I left the theater full of joy and with a smile on my face.

A real gem from Aki Kaurismäki with his trademark icy wit

[gortx · 15 December 2023]

Finland's official submission for Best International Film. Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki (LE HAVRE, MAN WITHOUT A PAST) has been making his special brand of movies for some four decades now. FALLEN LEAVES is one of his best. Sporting his usual low key approach with clipped dialogue and an icy wit on par with a Scandinavian winter, Kaurismäki's latest takes the basic form of Romantic Comedy, but, of course, filtered through his sensibility.

A pair of lonely-hearts, Ansa (Alma Poysti) and Holappa (Jussi Vatanen), meet 'cute' at a Karaoke bar. Naturally, it isn't love at first sight, but, soon the resistance breaks and they go through the process of coming together, obstacles getting in their way and, eventually, fall in...well, sorta... - it's a Kaurismäki film.

What works so well here is the screenplay. Kaurismäki seems to have dissected his dialogue down to its most essential words. There isn't any excess. Nothing is said that doesn't need to be*. Yet, it remains a witty delight. The actors are on the same page and deliver their lines with essential succinctness, while never interfering with their physical performances - which are also spot on. Kaurismäki's genius is that even with so little said (or done), one still gets a full sense of his characters' lives. Oh, and the whole thing, including credits, is 82 minutes long.

The 66 year old Kaurismäki pays tribute here to Directors with their own inimitable style with references to Godard, Bresson and Jarmusch (stay tuned for the final kicker, which is a perfect capstone). He also uses pop tunes as a fine accent and amusingly names mundane drab holes in the wall joints with exotic monikers like Cafe California and Cafe Buenos Aires (not to mention warmer, too!).

On the surface FALLEN LEAVES may appear 'slight' - but, it's more meaningful than at first blush. It's a delightful film from a true original.

* In many ways, FALLEN LEAVES is a perfect film to introduce those with a hesitance to subtitles, since the dialogue is so sparse.

Fallen Leaves

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 5 December 2023]

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.

Dry love

[kosmasp · 9/10 · 19 September 2023]

No pun intended - Aki Kaurismaki - I reckon I have to start watching more of his stuff. Yes I never really came around or got my hands on any of his movies. Better late than never - which is a great segway to the movie actually (and some might even say a great pun?).

All that said, this may be a movie about someone who is clearly an alcoholic (and therefor quite the man with a lot of issues, reminding me of jokes about alcohol) and a woman who like him has a void ... and both are looking for love. Can coincidence bring them together? Or will it tear them apart? The humor helps a lot, the dialog is really tight and well written. Of course you have to dig it all, but if you do .. you'll be having a grand ol' time.

Great acting - great setting and script! Do not expect fire and passion - but do expect amazing characters! What is love? And can first love be found in a late stage in life?

Dry Romance

[meinwonderland · 6/10 · 12 February 2024]

This is a simple story of boy meets girl, girl meets boy, with little, and often unimportant and dry, dialogue between the main characters. Yet somehow it had a lasting effect on me. Maybe the visuals wich I found really beautiful and aesthetic in a retro-like style. This is the first movie I see by Aki Kaurismaki and something tells me it's not going to be the last. While the story is simple, the delivery is not. For instance, the deadpan delivery of the actors is something I found interesting and at times funny. Interesting because other than Yorgos Lanthimos I know of no one who did this. Not only the delivery of the dialogue, but the content of the dialogue itself is something out of the ordinary. While most romcoms are full of conversations where the loved ones try to impress the other part and so on, here it is almost like the opposite. The dialogues are absolutely dry, dull, common, etc. And I don't say it in a bad way because at least in this movie it works. Anyway, it is worth a watch in my opinion.

Go to the cinema and fall in love...

[oOgiandujaOo_and_Eddy_Merckx · 9/10 · 10 December 2023]

..not with the movie, but with another seeker. That seems to be the main idea of Kaurismäki's movie Fallen Leaves.

Life is hard and monotonous. It's also petty, particularly when you're on low wages. So find someone to squeeze. Have a go at a bit of solidarity too.

Ansa and Holappa are both working annoying jobs in modern day Finland. They listen to news of the latest atrocities from the Russian army in Ukraine, they have a cigarette or a swig, they sit in unhappy bars, they struggle with their bosses, they are lonely. They admire the cinema.

Some of the vignettes are well informed about poverty, earlier in my life I worked in a supermarket where we would be in trouble if we took out-of-date food, even though we were hungry and were being made to throw it in the bin. The bosses' view was that we would deliberately let things go off, or over prepare fresh food if we were allowed to take the out-of-date food away. When we have money we take for granted things like internet access, when you don't someone will gouge you for a few minutes access.

Spend some time with someone who catches your fancy, use some energy to not mess it up. There's no sex in the movie and I quite like that in a society that over-fixates on fetishized addiction sex. Sometimes it's just lovely to have company, to talk and listen to music, just to feel their presence. Wouldn't you like a person round the house oh lonely cinema goer?

I feel like I've seen this movie 100 times already

[Qunjy · 6/10 · 4 September 2023]

While the movie does show promise in some aspects, the story presented here is so basic that it makes them hard to appreciate. A basic plot like this should be executed perfectly or at least in an original way to be enjoyable, but it wasn't. Some moments were so cliché I felt like cringing, examples include "Oh nooo! He dropped the note with her phone number and didn't notice! Look down, main character #2! You're gonna miss your chance!" "Oh nooo! He waited in front of the cinema all night and when he finally gave up and left, she showed up! I can't believe they missed each other, this is so sad! If only that woman didn't have the brilliant idea to go to the theater after it was closed!" I could go on.

Anyway, if the story is lackluster, what is left to enjoy in the movie? The cinematography is quite pretty. That's true. The acting is.... I guess it's good? Like, I think the actors performances were perfectly in line with what the director was going for. But the thing is, the exchanges in this movie are so stiff that I felt like I was watching a bunch of robots.

I know this movie takes place in Finland, and I know that the stereotype is that the people there are cold and asocial. But in this movie, I felt like this was taken to the extreme where the interactions between people simply felt unnatural.

If you easily connect with fictional characters, no matter how robotic they are, you may enjoy this movie. Otherwise you may as well skip it.

Kaurismäki delivers as always

[martinpersson97 · 10/10 · 16 October 2023]

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!

Cold can be a warm coat

[xnicofingerx · 7/10 · 26 January 2024]

Kaurismäki - Finland, working class, everyday life, dreariness, tragicomic glimpses of light and shadow. And everything remains the same in this world and obviously the same for the director. For this kind of film you need the right mood and sometimes a stable mental constitution. As if Ingmar Bergmann were filming a screenplay by Helge Schneider. Whereby Helge sometimes takes over the reins himself. It's about a romance, at least one that could become one. The problem is not money or love, but alcohol or love. Or alcohol or work, alcohol or everything else in life.

Pleasant running time, a somewhat strange romance, an appealing soundtrack, the usual quirky characters and settings, as well as a general style with a unique selling point in cinema. Look out for the director's (presumably) must-see references to great cinematic works.

Uninteresting, fails to do what others have done way better before.

[foxtografo · 4/10 · 13 December 2023]

I actually like movies like what this is trying to be, but I couldn't get through all the amateurish look and feel of this movie.

The cinematography was bellow average.

Performances were very average even for the Wes Andersonesque wannabe characters.. I like dry humour, but I found this way too basic.

The story is very simplistic, even if I appreciate the light hearted feel, I just felt bored.

I honestly don't see why so much fuzz about this movie, I can't think of anything on it that I would find worth mentioning as something I'd remember in a week.

Quite disappointed, since everyone was telling me how good and sweet the movie is, but I just didn't connect or found interesting in any way.

A delightful comedy that works for an English-language audience

[steiner-sam · 8/10 · 25 November 2023]

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.

Need for togetherness

[JankiSharma · 9/10 · 17 December 2023]

The movie Fallen Leaves (Finnish )directed by Aki Kaurismaki is a simple story about people who are alone. Being alone is very different from being lonesome and Holappa ( actor Jussi Vatanen) did an excellent job potraying himself as a lonesome human who depends on alcohol to get rid of depression that is intertwined with his lonesome life. Ansa , on the other hand, a girl who lives alone manages her life quite well by keeping herself busy with work, radio and going out with her friend. Holappa and Ansa meet and have nothing to talk about . It is very pleasant to watch Ansa understand Holappa just from observation of his behavior. The ending of the movie is extremely nice and shows one has to make an effort to bring in a positive change. In one of the scenes Holappa tells his friend he is a strong guy. Ansa showed her strength in the scene when she puts plate and cutlery in the trash bin and not dishwasher. Two humans , both alone , and both with different kind of inner strength, make a decision which made me very happy. Oscar worthy Direction. 1hr21 minutes of simple pleasant lives.

Dull, dull, dull

[Filmlover-43 · 6/10 · 7 December 2023]

I found this film quite dull, the characters rather lifeless and stiff. And, it seemed that the Director was coaching ALL his actors and extras to be as somber and unemotional as they could muster. I stayed with it to the end in that the film was not without some charm. Once again, to my regret I got enthused to see this film by a reviewer who praised this as some kind of great rom-com, but the romance was dull and the comedy lacking. Mostly, there was nothing much that connected me or made me care about the principal characters. I suppose my biggest association was what it's like to be depressed and to live in a gray and dull environment. No doubt that's the way working class people often live, with work that is uninteresting and dull. I was in Helsinki once and it's an attractive and vibrant city. This is not 'that' city.

As Dry as Gin...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 24 April 2024]

Ansa has been fired after the sell by, working in a supermarket time don't fly by, now she's lost and all alone, at least she has her little home, but she'd like to have someone, to share good times by. Holappa has been fired because he drinks, kind of guy who's world's eroded and just stinks, but he's fallen for a girl, it's put his head into a swirl, although the way things seem to go, you'd think he's jinxed. It's a story of two folk that come together, amid the backdrop of a war that seems to tether, as they do their best to miss, the opportunity for bliss, and start to live their lives, combined together.

Charming, simple

[martinogren · 7/10 · 2 December 2023]

Brilliant production design. Set in todays Finland, time has not moved here since several decades. The visuals feel like a dream, being full of contradictions but most importantly: boredom and nothingness. The stale photography and acting adds to the story of finding love in a hopeless place. Slight comic reliefs and nostalgic film queues here and there.

The plot also being simple, feels like a classic romantic movie in that sense. Right away you get introduced to our to-be couple. But even though this is something you understand right away, the film is not about the story. It is all about the set design, cinematography, visuals and simple acting on screen.

An allusion to Soviet proletariat

[kpilipyuk · 8/10 · 17 February 2024]

I'm not here to write a full review but just to share one observation. The Finland in picture is not real, neither it is a Finland of the past, despite of artifacts from the 70s and 40s. It is a Finland of proletariat, an allusion to what was once and could possibly still return. The colors, the fashion, the rhythm, and the certain quality of post production of the film is deliberately made to look like old Soviet cinema (perhaps). I grew up in Soviet Union, so immediately recognize that aesthetics, as well as the reality of the depressed suburbs, omnipresent alchoholism, and the worst kind of proletariat reality, where people are neither given a setting for developing nor being in any way protected. The war in Ukraine is an actor of the film as well. It is present from the opening scene and on - some listen to it, some switch the channel off, but it constantly comes back to interact with the characters. The film might be, among other things, a commentary on the reality that modern-day russia represents. Also interesting that the main male characters are delusional as in wanting to be something they are not on multiple occasions (Holapa's friend wanting to be young or a singer-superstar signing large contracts, or Holappa himself claiming he could easily be a "cool guy" if only he wanted to). It is certainly about us all, and how much delusional hopes are a part of human condition. Yet these become paramount, a desperate means for escape, in a world where people are living in poverty and with little means for self-actualization. Of course there is also this scene when Anse comes to the hospital to read to Holappa and sits down onto a chair painted in blue and yellow, but that might be already a bit of a stretch to think this might symbolize ukraine fighting to get whatever Holappa represents out of darkness and into the world of hope. Overall it's a charming feel-good movie, classically Kaurismaki.

Cinematic Minimalism: The Art of 'Fallen Leaves'

[muhlissoysal-479-579428 · 21 January 2024]

"Fallen Leaves" stands as a compelling example of cinematic minimalism, weaving a light love story within a context that speaks powerfully to today's world. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Helsinki, yet carrying an aura reminiscent of the Soviet Union, the film navigates the complexities of modern life with a simplicity that is both profound and accessible. It's an easy watch, yet its messages - highlighting voices and perspectives often overlooked in mainstream media - resonate deeply.

The film's pacing, though deliberate and unhurried, successfully draws viewers into its narrative depth. The slower tempo allows for a deeper appreciation of the story, inviting audiences to become fully immersed in the characters and their world.

Simple yet meaningful, the film's dialogue is a testament to the potency of minimalism in storytelling. These conversations, free from complexity, are imbued with authenticity, reflecting the film's commitment to genuine human experiences.

Humor and sincerity blend seamlessly within "Fallen Leaves," creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is heartfelt. This delicate balance ensures that the film remains relatable and engaging, effectively conveying its themes.

Insight into the working class is a notable aspect of the film, shedding light on their daily struggles and the solidarity that binds them. This subtle exploration of social dynamics adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making it not just a story of individuals, but also a reflection of broader societal issues.

The production design of "Fallen Leaves" is remarkable for its minimalism, with settings that are both simple and evocative. This approach complements the narrative, enhancing the film's overall charm. The coloring, which contributes to the film's nostalgic Soviet feel, further adds to its visual appeal.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is integrated into the story through radio announcements, a narrative technique that infuses the film with a sense of contemporary urgency and realism.

"Fallen Leaves" is also notable for its soundtrack, with a particularly memorable live performance by Maustetytöt. Their music not only enriches the film's atmosphere but also adds a layer of emotional resonance, elevating the cinematic experience.

In summary, "Fallen Leaves" is a film that celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Its straightforward storytelling, combined with deep thematic undercurrents and a minimalist aesthetic, offers a unique and poignant cinematic journey.

Simple but Effective - Watch it if you like Wes Anderson

[BornKnight · 7/10 · 1 February 2024]

German-Finnish drama / romance by the director Aki Kaurismäki, continuation of his Proletariat series, which was originally planned as a trilogy and already includes Shadows in Paradise (1986), Ariel (1988), and The Match Factory Girl (1990).

With simple stories in a stylized Helsinki that seems to be stopped at the end of the 80´s on purpose (although your hear on the radio about the current Russia and Ukraine War, and see a 2024 calendar) it tells about the love story in simple lines of melancholy about two workers, a construction area man and a woman that worked on supermarkets and factories. Think of a Finnish Wes Anderson.

The lines of the story are simple as the concept, of a couple that have some mismatches around the way till the final encounter, but this simpliness, slow-paced sweetness in the context of the depression and melancholy of the lives and city is what colours the film in the end. Contributing to this sweetness it includes the changes on each other character along the movie in simple steps.

The movie premiered on 76th Cannes Film Festival, and was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or in its main competition section, where it won the Jury Prize and will be the contender for the 96th Academy award for best international movie.

Knowing what to expect of the movie I gave him a 7,6 out of 10,0 score, or a B+ as I always prefer more complex stories.

8/10

[marrhu · 8/10 · 15 October 2023]

I liked the movies atmosphere, which was carried out by the camera work and the settings. It was a pleasure to go into this world and follow the two main characters' lives, while they were part of the working class trying to make their living. I was sometimes a bit bored and wanted more of these character's interaction. I got the feeling that the movie wanted the watchers see only the necessary parts of the developing relationship between the main characters.

But still the movie was refreshing and gave me joy to dwell in this world the director created. The movie might be too artsy for some people, but i think it still had enough story to carry the movie on its own.

A gentle breeze of melancholy with a hopeful gust

[steveinadelaide · 7/10 · 22 February 2024]

Fallen Leaves, the latest offering from Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismäki, as far away from a typical Hollywood romance as you can get. Forget grand declarations and whirlwind courtships; this is a tale whispered in soft sighs and shared silences. But don't mistake its quietude for dullness. Like the autumn leaves swirling through its Helsinki streets, the film carries a bittersweet charm, a poignant meditation on loneliness, resilience, and the quiet flicker of connection in an often-indifferent world.

The story follows Holappa (Jussi Vatanen), a middle-aged man down on his luck after losing his job, and Ansa (Alma Pöysti), a single woman navigating the mundanity of her daily routine. Their paths cross in a smoky karaoke bar, a brief encounter that sparks a hesitant curiosity in both. But life, as it often does, throws up roadblocks - missed calls, wrong addresses, and the ever-present shadow of past hurts. Their journey to connection is a slow dance, one step forward, two steps back, punctuated by moments of quiet tenderness and wry humour.

Kaurismäki's signature minimalist style, with its clean lines, understated performances, and very dry wit, perfectly suits the film's melancholic tone. The washed-out palette evokes a sense of urban loneliness, with the occasional pop of vibrant colour. The actors, particularly Pöysti, deliver subtle yet nuanced performances, conveying volumes with a mere shrug or a flicker of emotion in their eyes. The silence speaks louder than words, as they navigate the awkward dance of unspoken feelings.

There are some issues with the movie. The pacing can feel glacial at times, and the lack of dramatic conflict might leave some yearning for more spark. The soundtrack, while melancholically beautiful, occasionally feels repetitive. Still, these are minor quibbles in a film that so effectively captures the quiet poetry of everyday life.

What truly resonated with me was the film's hopeful undercurrent. Despite the loneliness and hardships faced by the characters, there's a quiet resilience in their spirits. The shared meal, the stolen glances, the simple act of kindness-these are the small victories that illuminate the darkness. Fallen Leaves isn't a grand spectacle, but it's a film that lingers, a gentle reminder that even in the bleakest autumn, hope can blossom anew.

A Big 'So What?'

[brentsbulletinboard · 5/10 · 6 December 2023]

It's not much of a secret that the worldview of Finnish society can be more than a little bleak. At the same time, though, it also possesses an understatedly campy, eminently whimsical quality that comes in stark contrast to this otherwise-dour outlook. And this makes for a combination of traits that can be somewhat puzzling to fathom, especially to outsiders. That's the quirky social conundrum that writer-director Aki Kaurismäki seeks to capture in his latest offering, a wry comedy-drama focused on the lives of two lonely, lovelorn working class Helsinki residents (Alma Pöysti, Jussi Vatanen) who struggle against life's hiccups while seeking to forge a romance. But, in telling their story, the filmmaker has difficulty finding sufficient traction to engage viewers. We witness a story full of modest, garden variety ups and downs, as well as more than a few miscommunications, experiences we've all no doubt undergone ourselves from time to time. However, is that enough to make a compelling picture? It certainly doesn't feel that way much of the time, given its wooden dialogue and restrained, sometimes-stilted performances, no matter how pointedly this production may portray the nature of this extraordinarily reserved people. To its credit, the film works best when it pokes fun at the nature of Finnish culture, providing some delicious nuggets of droll humor, backed by a diverse yet spot-on soundtrack that fittingly and ironically complements what's unfolding on screen. Nevertheless, there's so much here that lends so little to a narrative that just never catches fire that it's hard to imagine almost anyone generating any interest in, or enthusiasm for, the protagonists and their feeble attempts at launching a relationship. Maybe I'm missing something here, but, if there is something meaningful that this release is trying to convey, it's apparently well buried under one of those big piles of fallen leaves that give this picture its title.