Country: Finland

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Matti Pellonpää · Evelyne Didi · André Wilms · Kari Väänänen

Synopsis The Bohemian Life (1992) follows the intertwined lives of three creative individuals navigating the vibrant yet challenging landscape of contemporary Paris. Rodolfo, an Albanian painter without proper documentation, forms a bond with Marcel, a playwright and magazine editor struggling to...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Matti Onnismaa · Kari Väänänen · Elina Salo · Kati Outinen

Synopsis Drifting Clouds (1996) follows the story of Lauri, a tram driver who faces unemployment. Soon after, the restaurant where his wife Ilona serves as a head waitress shuts down. Refusing to rely on social welfare, the couple endeavors to secure...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Kati Outinen · Elina Salo · Esko Nikkari · Vesa Vierikko

Synopsis The Match Factory Girl (1990) is the concluding chapter in Aki Kaurismäki's "proletarian trilogy," following the narrative threads of "Shadows in Paradise" and "Ariel." The story revolves around Iris, a young woman toiling on a factory assembly line and residing...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Markku Peltola · Kati Outinen · Juhani Niemelä · Kaija Pakarinen

Synopsis The Man Without a Past (2002) is the second installment in Aki Kaurismäki's "Finland" trilogy, following the critically acclaimed "Drifting Clouds." This film offers a fresh perspective on the narrative that captivated audiences worldwide. Without shying away from harsh realities,...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Turo Pajala · Susanna Haavisto · Matti Pellonpää · Eetu Hikamo

Synopsis Ariel (1988) follows the journey of Taisto, a coal miner who is forced to adapt to life in the bustling city after his mine shuts down and his miner father takes his own life. This poignant and darkly humorous film...

Direction Mika Kurvinen · Alicia Scherson

Cast Pelle Heikkilä · Sophia Heikkilä · Ilkka Villi · Aksa Korttila

Synopsis Invisible Heroes (TV Miniseries) (2019) is a gripping drama that unfolds over six episodes, chronicling the extraordinary efforts of two Finnish diplomats as they navigate the tumultuous events surrounding the 1973 Chilean coup d'état. Their mission: to rescue thousands of...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Jean-Pierre Léaud · Margi Clarke · Charlesa Cork · Serge Reggiani

Synopsis I Hired a Contract Killer (1990) follows the story of a businessman who, after being terminated from his job and feeling utterly isolated, decides to take his own life rather than succumb to deeper despair. However, lacking the resolve to...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Matti Pellonpää · Kati Outinen · Sakari Kuosmanen · Esko Nikkari

Synopsis Shadows in Paradise (1986) is a poignant and quirky romantic comedy directed by Aki Kaurismäki, serving as the opening chapter of his "Proletarian Trilogy," which also includes "Ariel" and "The Match Factory Girl." This film showcases the talents of beloved...

Direction Jukka Kärkkäinen · Jani-Petteri Passi

Synopsis The Punk Syndrome (2012) is a compelling documentary that delves into the world of Finland's most electrifying punk rock band, Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät. The band's members—Pertti, Kari, Toni, and Sami—each have intellectual disabilities, but their music is infused with unyielding...

Direction Joonas Berghäll · Mika Hotakainen

Synopsis Steam of Life (2010) delves into the intimate and candid conversations of Finnish men as they gather in the traditional sauna setting. This documentary captures the raw and unfiltered emotions of these individuals as they open up about their lives,...

Direction Reetta Aalto · Alli Haapasalo · Anna Paavilainen · Kirsikka Saari

Cast Veikko Aalste · Teemu Aromaa · Suvi Blick · Tommi Eronen

Synopsis Force of Habit (TV Series) (2019) presents a unique cinematic experience directed by seven different filmmakers, each offering a glimpse into the often-overlooked aspects of women's daily lives. This series delves into the routines and experiences of various women over...

Direction Tiina Lymi

Cast Amanda Jansson · Linus Troedsson · Desmond Eastwood · Tobias Zilliacus

Synopsis Stormskerry Maja (2024) follows the resilient journey of Maja, who faces daily struggles to maintain her existence. Despite numerous obstacles, she remains steadfast in her decision to stay in Stormskerry, a place deeply connected to her heritage. The narrative delves...

Direction Miika Soini

Cast Lasse Pöysti · Pentti Siimes · Eila Halonen · Marja-Leena Kouki

Synopsis Thomas (TV) (2008) follows the life of an elderly man named Thomas who resides in a modest, subterranean apartment, keeping company with a radio, a chessboard, and a photograph of his late wife. His days are largely solitary, and when...

Direction Mikko Niskanen

Cast Eero Melasniemi · Kristiina Halkola · Pekka Autiovuori · Kirsti Wallasvaara

Synopsis Under your skin (1966) presents a nostalgic journey of four city-dwelling young adults who embark on a countryside adventure, making it one of the most beloved films of the 1960s in Finland. The narrative echoes the themes of the 1929...

Direction Edvin Laine

Cast Kosti Klemelä · Heikki Savolainen · Reino Tolvanen · Veikko Sinisalo

Synopsis The Unknown Soldier (1955) follows the journey of a Finnish infantry unit as they bravely stand against the invading Russian forces during the tumultuous years of World War II. The narrative delves into the soldiers' daily struggles, camaraderie, and the...

Direction Klaus Härö

Cast Kaarina Hazard · Heikki Nousiainen · Jukka Keinonen · Esko Roine

Synopsis Letters to Father Jakob (2009) follows the journey of Leila, a recently released convict who takes on a job as an aide to a visually impaired pastor. Father Jakob dedicates his time to responding to the correspondence of those in...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast Alma Pöysti · Jussi Vatanen · Janne Hyytiäinen · Nuppu Koivu

Synopsis Fallen Leaves (2023) follows the story of Ansa, a solitary woman residing in Helsinki who juggles a zero-hours contract at a supermarket and a job sorting recyclable plastic. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Holappa, a fellow...

Direction Aki Kaurismäki

Cast André Wilms · Kati Outinen · Jean-Pierre Darroussin · Blondin Miguel

Synopsis Le Havre (2011) follows Marcel Marx, a former writer and bohemian, who has chosen to live in self-imposed exile in the coastal city of Le Havre. He finds solace in his simple life as a shoe-shiner, surrounded by his favorite...

Direction Aku Louhimies

Cast Mikko Leppilampi · Jasper Pääkkönen · Pamela Tola · Mikko Kouki

Synopsis Frozen Land (2005) follows Tuomas, a young and ambitious computer hacker driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on society. His best friend, Niko, contrasts Tuomas's idealism with a more reckless and hedonistic lifestyle, deeply entrenched in drugs...

Direction Klaus Härö

Cast Topi Majaniemi · Marjaana Maijala · Esko Salminen · Aino-Maija Tikkanen

Synopsis Mother of Mine (2005) is a poignant cinematic exploration of a young boy's journey through the tumultuous backdrop of war. Set against the historical context of Finland's involvement in World War II, the narrative follows 9-year-old Eero, whose life is...