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.
Alma Pöysti
Ansa
Jussi Vatanen
Holappa
Janne Hyytiäinen
Huotari
Nuppu Koivu
Liisa
Mia Snellman
Ansa's Colleague
Mikko Mykkänen
Shop Security Guard
Sherwan Haji
Parakin Resident
Karar Al-Bazoon
Parakin Resident
Toni Buckman
Karaoke Singer ("Get On")
Mika Nikander
Karaoke Singer ("Serenade")
Evi Salmelin
Karaoke Hostess
Aapo Penttilä
Dumpster Diver
Antti Määttänen
Staff Manager
Matti Onnismaa
Manager of the Metal Workshop
Simon Al-Bazoon
Internet Cafe Owner
Martti Suosalo
Raunio
Mitja Tuurala
Twilight Man 1
Sami Muttilainen
Twilight Man 2
Leo Laitinen
Train Stop Hooligan
Jaakko Ranta
Train Stop Hooligan
Heikki Rautiainen
Train Stop Hooligan
Viljami Penttilä
Train Stop Hooligan
Matti Santala
Civil Police
Jari Tuomola
Police Officer
Lauri Untamo
Police Officer
Erkki Astala
Passer-by
Timo Malmi
Passer-by
Jukka Salmi
Film Criticizer
Jaska Väre
Film Criticizer
Eero Ritala
Paramedic
Beatriz Backman
Paramedic
Misha Jaari
Master Builder
Olli Varja
Janitor
Jukka Rautiainen
Colleague at the Foundry
Paula Oinonen
Colleague at the Foundry
Anna Karjalainen
Maustetytöt
Kaisa Karjalainen
Maustetytöt
Sakari Kuosmanen
Man in the Travel Home
Maria Heiskanen
Matron
Alina Tomnikov
Nurse
Juho Kuosmanen
Karaoke Pub Patron (uncredited)
Director, Writer
Aki Kaurismäki
December 5, 2023
7
There's a lovely scene in this film where "Holappa" (Jussi Vatanen) and his mate are in an Helsinki karaoke bar staffed by a motionless barman who looks like he's straight out a zombie movie! Talking of zombie movies, the story follows the lives of this fellow and of "Ansa" (Alma Pöysti) whose first date at the local "Ritz" cinema is ecactly that - unlikely fodder for a burgeoning romance - even if their post film chat afterwards is under the gaze of a "Brief Encounter" poster. She has recently been fired for pinching some out-of-date food from the supermarket in which she worked. He's been fired a few times for too many vodka breaks at work. Her latest boss is arrested for drug dealing and that's when they first meet. They click, they go for a coffee - then that cinema trip ensues. Thing is, she has views on excessive drinking - it has profoundly affected members of her family. He's a bit of an ass about that - but perhaps she's had more of an impact on him than he realised. Maybe he can give up? Maybe she'll give him another chance? The humour here is plentiful but really quite dark and subtle. There are plot developments that we probably ought not to laugh at, but we do - and the ending leaves us hoping but not knowing. It's not exactly laugh out loud but you'll get plenty to smile about if you keep your wits about you for eighty minutes. Perhaps not a film the Finnish Culture Ministry would be too fond of - but I enjoyed it.