“Fallen Leave, “director Aki Kaurismäki’s 20th feature, is Finland’s official entry to the 96th Academy Awards and was a winner of the Cannes Film Festival Jury Prize.
In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of their first love meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. However, the pair’s path to happiness is beset by numerous obstacles – from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.
Writer: Aki Kaurismäki
Starring: Jussi Vatanen, Alma Pöysti, Martti Suosalo, Matti Onnismaa, Sakari Kuosmanen, Alina Tomnikov
With this film, Kaurismäki tips his hat to Bresson, Ozu and Chaplin, wanting to tell a story about the things that may lead humanity to a future: longing for love, solidarity, hope, and respect for another human being, nature and anything living or dead. The movie is inspired by the song “Les feuilles mortes,” composed by Joseph Kosma with lyrics by Jacques Prévert.