The latest from Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismäki may be his greatest. The film tells the story of two characters: Khaled, a Syrian refugee-seeking asylum in Helsinki and Wikström, a former shirt salesman, poker player and restaurateur. Through kindness and desperation, the two come together. Funny, tender and brilliantly political, the film also has grace and subtlety. And some kick ass rock and roll. An incredibly timely work that looks at the current situation in Europe and the rise of the far right, it also features a beautiful cast of supporting players in line with the director’s establishing of off-kilter micro communities. There is of course also a great dog. A work that demonstrates that the world could and should be a better place.
Ready to explore The Other Side of Hope? We reviewed the film in our May film podcast. Listen from the 0.30 mark…