Drifting Clouds

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Drifting Clouds

Released May 30, 1996

1h 36m

Comedy

Drama

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100%

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11 Reviews

90%

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2,500+ Ratings

Sudden unemployment tests a couple's (Kati Outinen, Kari Väänänen) marriage, pride and resourcefulness.

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

[Kaurismaki] distinctive, austerely hip, deadpan bleak viewpoint is back again in "Drifting Clouds."

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 4, 2019

Full Review

Mark Jenkins

Washington Post

In addition to achieving a paradoxical balance of mirth and melancholy, Drifting Clouds is a dark, mostly interior movie with a color scheme as big as all outdoors.

May 23, 2003

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Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

True to his temperament, Kaurismaki has made another funny-sad movie about the tenuousness of life, in all its ambiguity and nonsensical symmetry.

May 23, 2003

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Savina Petkova

A Good Movie To Watch

But Kaurismäki's romanticism isn't straightforward. Instead, it is baptized by fire in the cruel circumstances of working class life in Helsinki; and yet, a smile or a shared silence hold as much meaning as any conventional romantic gesture.

Rated: 85/100

Nov 24, 2023

Full Review

Elias Savada

Nitrate Online

Nokia, Finlandia Vodka, and Aki Kaurismki. Three exceptional Finnish exports of particular interest. ?Drifting Clouds blossoms.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 30, 2003

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Ed Scheid

Boxoffice Magazine

The film builds to a happier mood than many of the director's previous works; offbeat, droll twists and details add to its appeal.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 5, 2002

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Sergio A

If you take the time to notice its subtle details, Drifting Clouds reveals itself as a story of dignity, resilience, and a profoundly beautiful kind of love. Kaurismäki is, without a doubt, a genius.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/17/25

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Tua S

This movie feels like the beginning of spring.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

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Dani G

Many recurring elements from all Kaurismaki's films, and of course most of its actors, but with a little ---just little--- different approach of the leading couple (now a married one), and a little bit different type of ending.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

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Jesse D

I really enjoyed this movie . I was unfamiliar with Finnish produced movies before viewing this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/30/21

Full Review

Audience Member

One of the finest films from Kaurismäki. Immensely funny if you understand Kaurismäki's dark sense of humour.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

I believe Aki Kaurismäki's humour and optimism did help the Finnish people get over the depression times.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

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Aki Kaurismäki

Director

Kati Outinen

Ilona

Kari Väänänen

Lauri

Elina Salo

Rouva Sjöholm (Mrs. Sjöholm)

Sakari Kuosmanen

Melartin

Matti Onnismaa

Forsström

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Synopsis

Sudden unemployment tests a couple's (Kati Outinen, Kari Väänänen) marriage, pride and resourcefulness.

Director: Aki Kaurismäki
Producer: Aki Kaurismäki
Screenwriter: Aki Kaurismäki
Production Co: Sputnik Oy
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Finnish
Release Date (Theaters): May 30, 1996, Original
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Dolby
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)