I thought Kaurismaki had retired. I guess he changed his mind. Some directors who maybe should have retired are still at it. Kaurismaki, one wants no cessation of his artistry. Funny how a director's signature moves can become tiresome, in some cases, and for others another opus is always welcome.
So what's this one about? The usual. Working class people, lonely souls, trying to make it through the day, and the night, keep a roof over their heads, something perishable to fill their stomachs. Which do you prefer, a cigarette, a glass of voddy, or an expired sandwich?
Our protagonist is a factory worker with a drinking problem. Our protagonista is a supermarket lady who shifts jobs. The man is destined to do likewise, both dismissed without pity or consideration. The sad news of the war ravages the airwaves. Consolation comes where it can. A night at the karaoke bar. They almost meet. Missing the last tram. They almost meet. Tangos and serenades play on, classic, timeless are the sorrows of the human expelled from the Garden....
A missed appointment. A chance encounter. A gust of wind. A sudden resolution. A humble request. A change of heart. The path of true love will trip you up.
I actually thought the movie the couple see at the cinema was made by AK himself, with celebrity cameos by uncredited Hollywood actors. Nope. It's a Jim Jarmusch zombie caper, one director acknowledging another, just as he had been acknowledged by the other. A tip of the hat.
Basically, Fallen Leaves has all the usual AK elements, and it's all very dry and low key, and such is always weirdly refreshing. I wouldn't call this a favourite but it's still better than most everything else being produced nowadays. In the most discreet way AK's movies are full of dispassionate compassion. And live music to go with the jukebox is always inspiring, somehow.
The DVD issue comes with a World According to AK extra, featuring some of this offbeat statements about movies. Nice.
So what's this one about? The usual. Working class people, lonely souls, trying to make it through the day, and the night, keep a roof over their heads, something perishable to fill their stomachs. Which do you prefer, a cigarette, a glass of voddy, or an expired sandwich?
Our protagonist is a factory worker with a drinking problem. Our protagonista is a supermarket lady who shifts jobs. The man is destined to do likewise, both dismissed without pity or consideration. The sad news of the war ravages the airwaves. Consolation comes where it can. A night at the karaoke bar. They almost meet. Missing the last tram. They almost meet. Tangos and serenades play on, classic, timeless are the sorrows of the human expelled from the Garden....
A missed appointment. A chance encounter. A gust of wind. A sudden resolution. A humble request. A change of heart. The path of true love will trip you up.
I actually thought the movie the couple see at the cinema was made by AK himself, with celebrity cameos by uncredited Hollywood actors. Nope. It's a Jim Jarmusch zombie caper, one director acknowledging another, just as he had been acknowledged by the other. A tip of the hat.
Basically, Fallen Leaves has all the usual AK elements, and it's all very dry and low key, and such is always weirdly refreshing. I wouldn't call this a favourite but it's still better than most everything else being produced nowadays. In the most discreet way AK's movies are full of dispassionate compassion. And live music to go with the jukebox is always inspiring, somehow.
The DVD issue comes with a World According to AK extra, featuring some of this offbeat statements about movies. Nice.
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