Synopsis

Master filmmaker Aki Kaurismaki (Le Havre, The Other Side of Hope) returns with his latest deadpan gem FALLEN LEAVES, a luminous ode to romance and moviegoing. In modern-day Helsinki, two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a local karaoke bar. However, the pair’s path to happiness is beset by numerous obstacles – from lost numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.The film is a gentle, melancholic romance that explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the redemptive power of love in a seemingly impersonal world. It’s a modern-day story of ordinary people striving to find happiness and hold onto their humanity.

Critics Views

“Fallen Leaves is consistently funny, but its laughs arrive without fanfare. They slide in calmly, at times obliquely in eccentric details, offbeat juxtapositions, taciturn exchanges, long pauses and amiably barbed insults.” The New York Times

“Throughout, Kaurismäki shows his usual complete control of a delicate tone that could easily go awry if it didn’t work so well.” The Wrap

“As a film, Fallen Leaves could hardly be simpler––two people living separate, lonesome lives meet and maybe fall in love––but there is beauty in that simplicity and, as ever, Kaurismäki’s characters live far richer inner lives.” The Film Stage

“Fallen Leaves is another of Kaurismäki’s beguiling and delightful cinephile comedies, featuring foot-tapping rock’n’roll. It’s romantic and sweet-natured, in a deadpan style that in no way undermines or ironises the emotions involved and with some sharp things to say about contemporary politics.” The Guardian

“It finds genuine humour in its characters’ almost down-and-out lot, but it’s fully on their side – the side of those trampled on by modern times.” Time Out

Awards

Cannes Film Festival 2023
Winner – Jury Prize

Academy Award 2024
Finland’s Best International Feature Film entry to the 96th Academy Awards.

Film Rating

IMDb
 Critics: 86%  Audience 73%

Rotten Tomatoes
Critics positive review 97%   Audience Liked It 62%

 Stockbridge Audience Score: 82%

Audience Comments

Winsome!
Very slow burn if it ever got to light
Interesting to see the life the two main characters lead, but it was very very slow
Completely absorbing, very original, deadpan humour lightening a bleak landscape of poverty and alcoholism
Well made and acted but slow and, despite the story line, very depressing . The factory backgrounds, the intake of alcohol, the lack of smiles only relieved by a couple of short scenes of falling leaves. Not for us. But good to see what makes other people tick
Strange film, rather dark with some witty comments. I’m glad to have the opportunity of seeing foreign films and most have been excellent!
Just makes me grateful I don’t live in Finland!
Gentle humour, a satisfying ending