The Other Side of Hope

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Mikael N Pure gold by Genius Kaurismäki! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/14/24 Full Review David H Good story. Interesting look at Syrian refugee problem from the perspective of refugees themselves and the European countries taking them in. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/13/24 Full Review isla s I enjoyed this film a lot. The characters are quirky and likeable, with interesting backgrounds and I found myself hoping for a good outcome for the main character, Khaled (played by Sherwan Haji). We learn about what he's left behind when he talks to people at a Refugee centre. There are many scenes in which little is said, by way of dialogue but its pretty clear what emotions are meant to be felt by the viewer. Its reasonably thoughtful - certainly the main theme being about immigration and somewhat lightly about perserverance but also perhaps about assimilation. Its not what I think of as a greatly comic film but it does have a somwhat warm feel to it which is lacking from other dramas. I felt the characterisation was particularly good in this film and that really makes it worth seeing. I liked the variety of characters and the way that things were expressed at times, including with the use of music or not. I was quite keen on the music, which has perhaps a bit of a folk soul/blues type feel to it. One thing I would say is that the plot pace is a little slow and could be seen as meandering perhaps to some. Its probably better at being at its one hour and 40 minute total running time - some films these days can feel over-stretched but this didn't seem especially so. I enjoyed the numerous situations the characters found themselves adapting to and how they worked around setbacks, although (as I say) it may seem a little bland to some I suppose. This is perhaps best described as part social commentary, part quirky comic-drama. Its somewhat understated but I like that about it. I'd recommend this film to fans of world cinema and thoughtful, if slow (pace wise) comedy/drama films. I'll certainly keep an eye out for Sherwan Haji in other films. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member "The Other Side of Hope" creates a stirring tapestry of intermittently tragic and wryly comic elements, evoking in the process a view with a deep reverence for mankind's compassion alongside a sad acknowledgment of its failings. In championing awareness of the global refugee crisis in the unique fashion in which only he can, Kaurismaki presents a filter through which beneficence and malevolence combine into a static state of foreboding uncertainty that is nonetheless potent for its ambiguity. Watching "The Other Side of Hope," we are ever aware of the seriousness of the film's underlying themes despite its wise refusal to grow overbearing and heavy-handed; we are content to laugh while brushing away the occasional tear. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member A dramatic comedy full of humanism and, as the title announces, hope, which turns refugees not into figures but into people with names, talents and stories to tell. Through an unexpected friendship, Kaurismäki shines a spotlight on state hypocrisy, human vulnerability, and sympathy. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Refugees travel lightly, but we can unpack this: What is "the other side of hope," anyway? Some say it's despair; others more cynically say it's truth. But what they mean with those answers are "opposite," which is not necessarily the same as "the other side." The latest production from Finland's greatest auteur, Aki Kaurismäki, is being singled as one of his best. The Other Side of Hope affirms that Kaurismäki's trademark blend of odd, sardonic wit, chronic expressionlessness and outsiders buckling against a stacked-deck system is alive and well, decades into his notable career. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Other Side of Hope

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