Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves

Whether speaking to us about the here and now or gesturing nostalgically to days gone by, the story of Ansa and Holappa is timeless. Even their names are largely irrelevant throughout much of the film. What they represent is much more universal: the human struggle to build a life of our own and connect with one another. No matter how bleak or unfortunate, awkward or painful their circumstances become, Ansa and Holappa continue on — job after job, chance after chance — with a steadiness that can’t help but leave one feeling hopeful. Or, at the very least, seen.

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