Summary
“Opposites attract” is a line often thrown in the face of romance.
But whatiftrue romance is actually between birds of a feather, despite their circumstances?
The only ordinary thing about its romance is its outlandish characters embodying ordinary people.
Image via B-Plan Distribution
What Is ‘Fallen Leaves’ About?
She works at a supermarket on a bad contract, packaging and arranging products for sale.
Her already difficult world gets worse as she now has to look for another job.
In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles - from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.
He drinks on the job, and any other time he finds because he is depressed.
Holappa buys her coffee, and they later seeThe Dead Don’t Die, which they both enjoy.
Ansa’s and Holappa’s romance isa journey through adversity and emotional resilience.
This bond is further enhanced by their honesty and openness about it.
While this breeds differences along the way, it eventually sustains their relationship.
His alcoholism is taking a toll on him as he struggles to keep jobs.
Image via Mubi
The dialogue is minimal, sharp, and witty, focusing on revealing insights into the characters' lives.
When asked for his name, she improvises, “I am his sister in faith.”
But Kaurismaki doesn’t always use dialogue to create humor.
Thus,Fallen Leavesoffers humor that is both situational and character-driven.
Their romance is that of resilience and understated hope against personal struggles.
In their seemingly bleak circumstances, their unlikely romance offers a glimmer of optimism.
Despite her desperate condition, Ansa adopts a vulnerable stray dog.
Their human connection balances out the film’s more somber elements.
Their chemistry, together with their shared experiences, elevates the film’s emotional depth.
On-screen together, their interactions are filled with subtleties and genuine emotions.
Their honesty toward each other in this regard is a beacon of light.
Their connection speaks to the power ofordinary love in overcoming adversity.
“Keep it in the family.”
Kaurismaki’s films are known for hard-fought human connections, andFallen Leavesis no exception.
It’s a worthy addition to his previous works such asThe Man Without a PastandLe Havre.
Fallen Leavesis available for streaming on Mubi in the U.S.
WATCH ON MUBI