Directed by:
Aki KaurismäkiScreenplay:
Aki KaurismäkiCinematography:
Timo SalminenCast:
Jussi Vatanen, Alma Pöysti, Janne Hyytiäinen, Nuppu Koivu, Matti Onnismaa, Martti Suosalo, Sakari Kuosmanen, Alina Tomnikov, Mia Snellman, Mikko Mykkänen (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
Ansa (Alma Pöysti) works at a supermarket, where the job is so badly paid that she takes home expired sandwiches for dinner. Holappa (Jussi Vatanen) is a metalworker, labouring in a job so hazardous he’s sure it will kill him, so he drinks through the day, and then again at night. Meanwhile, the radio constantly carries news about the nearby war in Ukraine.
One evening, against his will, Holappa is dragged to a karaoke bar by a friend. “Tough guys don’t sing”, he says. But karaoke night is also a night for romance, and when Holappa meets the shy Ansa, there’s an immediate spark. But life being what it is, a variety of obstacles conspire to get in the way…
With his trademark deadpan humour, minimalist dialogue and retro aesthetic, Kaurismäki's latest delight showcases his unrivalled mastery for depicting down-on-their-luck characters in all their complexity, and finding humour and optimism in the unlikeliest of circumstances. In a time of economic disparity, war and uncertainty, Fallen Leaves is a valuable reminder of the importance of love and connection; once again Finland’s most-beloved director has delivered, in spades.
(Palace Films)
Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
British Independent Film Awards (BIFA)
- 2023 - Aki Kaurismäki, Mark Lwoff, Misha Jaari, Reinhard Brundig (Best International Independent Film)
European Film Awards
- 2023 - Best Film
- 2023 - Aki Kaurismäki (Best Director)
- 2023 - Jussi Vatanen (Best Actor)
- 2023 - Alma Pöysti (Best Actress)
- 2023 - Aki Kaurismäki (Best Screenwriter)
- 2023 - Lux Audience Award
César Awards
- 2024 - Aki Kaurismäki (Best Foreign Film)
Robert Awards (Danish Film Awards)
- 2024 - Aki Kaurismäki (Best Non-English Language Film)
Jussi Awards
- 2024 - Aki Kaurismäki, Mark Lwoff, Misha Jaari (Best Film)
- 2024 - Aki Kaurismäki (Best Direction)
- 2024 - Jussi Vatanen (Best Leading Role)
- 2024 - Alma Pöysti (Audience Favorite in Acting)
Golden Globes
- 2024 - Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language
- 2024 - Alma Pöysti (Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)
Cannes Film Festival
- 2023 - Aki Kaurismäki (Jury Prize)
- 2023 - Aki Kaurismäki (Golden Palm - Official Competition)
San Sebastián International Film Festival
- 2023 - Aki Kaurismäki (FIPRESCI Award)