Ariel

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Sergio A @Sergio83 Jun 19 Unlike most of his films, here Kaurismäki introduces morally questionable characters and even a few charismatic villains. Yet, thanks to the context and his deeply humanist approach, you can’t help but hope they succeed in their journey. Only Aki Kaurismäki could pull that off. See more Dani G 11/23/2023 Pure Kaurismaki style. Short film, without extending it innecesarily, enjoyable as almost all of the director's films See more dave s 08/08/2021 The middle portion of Aki Kaurismaki's Proletariat Trilogy, Ariel tells the story of Taisto, who leaves his rural home after the coal mine closes and makes his way to the city, where he meets Irmeli, a somber woman of many trades, who ultimately leads him to some form of salvation. It's a grittier film than the other two from the trilogy (Shadows in Paradise, The Match Factory Girl), laden with violence and criminality, but is consistent in both theme and style. Dialogue is a secondary issue to Kaurismaki, it would seem, used only when necessary to advance the plot. Otherwise, he relies on carefully composed images to set the mood and develop his characters, who seem to exist for the sole purpose of escaping. See more William L 02/13/2021 In Finland, when the local mine shuts down, you hand the keys to your boat-sized Cadillac convertible before heading into the restaurant bathroom to shoot yourself, it's just the way things are done. A solid black comedy that takes employs some surprising visual jokes to compliment its slightly less on-the-nose narrative humor. Solid and entertaining characters, like the monotone, Luger-wielding kid, help the film to transcend language barriers, but the universality of the humor already take the film most of the way. The runtime is condensed and the pace never really flags, just a well-made piece of film that gives more belly laughs than the Coen Brothers, but shows a bit more restraint than Taika Waititi. (4/5) See more 07/21/2017 It is definitely offbeat, the quick dialogue and performances demonstrate that, but it has a certain charm to it, almost strangely cool, making it an enjoyable watch. See more s r @ScottR 07/14/2017 This one had the quirkiness, but with a better plot. 1001 movies to see before you die. See more Read all reviews

Ariel

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