Fallen Leaves Review: In the world of cinema, what defines a perfect film? It transcends genres, encapsulates profound themes, and possesses an inherent understanding of its purpose. A perfect film communicates its essence visually, defying reduction to mere words. Aki Kaurismäki’s latest masterpiece, “Fallen Leaves,” falls into this rare category, a soulful romance unfolding in a concise one hour and twenty minutes.
The narrative follows a conventional yet profoundly touching trajectory. Two lonely souls, navigating lives filled with alcohol, challenging jobs, and external troubles, serendipitously cross paths. Alma Pöysti’s, a grocery store cashier with a compassionate heart, loses her job for aiding a hungry homeless man. As she embarks on her journey, the radio reports on the distant war in Ukraine, subtly weaving a contemporary thread into the film’s timeless aesthetic.
Set in the present day but draped in Kaurismäki’s signature retro mise-en-scene, every detail evokes a bygone era. Analog dials on radios, basic microwaves, and guitars with single-coil pickups contribute to the director’s distinct visual language. Ansa’s encounter with Jussi Vatanen’s Holappa, a man often immersed in a bottle, sparks a delicate connection that unfolds against a backdrop of mundane jobs and life’s unpredictable challenges.
Ansa, dismissed from her cashier job for her compassionate act, encounters Holappa at a karaoke bar. His silent demeanor contrasts with Huotari’s failed attempts to impress with his singing. Holappa, captivated by Ansa, undergoes a transformative journey, confronting his choices amid a series of jobs. Kaurismäki subtly explores themes of alcoholism, depicting characters with nuance and restraint, steering clear of typical portrayals.
The film’s emotional resonance is heightened by its formal precision. Each shot serves a purpose, contributing to the narrative’s overall strength. Performances are measured and restrained, reflecting Kaurismäki’s unique deadpan style infused with unexpected warmth. A canine companion introduces a touch of enigma, lifting the film’s spirit. As Ansa unveils a new name for the dog in the uplifting finale, Kaurismäki bestows his film with an honorific that encapsulates its own unique brilliance, a detail too precious to unveil.’
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is Fallen Leaves a good movie?
Featuring dry, sarcastic humor and a touching tale of two isolated individuals finding companionship, this is Kaurismäki’s version of a heartwarming film, despite the underlying theme of impending liver failure.
How long is the movie Fallen Leaves?
RogerEbert.com’s Glenn Kenny awarded the film a perfect four stars, remarking that, at just eighty minutes long, it’s a heartfelt romance that follows traditional storytelling patterns. Time magazine hailed it as a “subtle masterpiece”, possibly Kaurismäki’s finest work.
Where can I watch fallen leaves on Netflix?
Is the movie ‘Fallen Leaves’ available on Netflix? While the streaming platform offers a wide variety of TV shows and movies, ‘Fallen Leaves’ is not currently included in their catalog. We suggest checking out other dark fantasy films such as ‘The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf’ instead.
