Fallen Leaves

2023 | Dir: Aki Kaurismäki

Winner of the Jury Prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and the first film in six years from Finland’s renowned Aki Kaurismäki (The Man Without a Past, Leningrad Cowboys Go America), Fallen Leaves follows Ansa and Holappa, two lonely people in dead-end jobs who meet at a karaoke club, followed by a first date in a movie theater, and onward toward romance — or not?

Kaurismäki’s films are sometimes described as deadpan, but that does them a disservice; he portrays his off-kilter characters with a deep empathy and affection.

In Finnish with English subtitles. (81 min.)  

“Kaurismäki’s beguiling and delightful cinephile comedy is romantic and sweet-natured, with springtime in its heart.” –Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian