Shadows In Paradise - Tuesday 21st May 2024

I watched my second Aki Kaurismaki film, Shadows In Paradise.

It's one of his earlier films, almost forty years old, and was remarkably similar to his most recent film, Fallen Leaves, which I actually preferred.

This film seemed less whimsical, and more 'real'. Also, the characters weren’t very likeable. I dunno; I just wasn't very invested in them, or their romance (if that's what that was?). Consequently, the brisk 70-minute run time felt very much longer.

I get it, it's a minimalist film; there's a charm to the deadpan, matter of fact way the story plays out. Also, seeing Helsinki of the 1980s was appealing. But man, I'm glad I never grew up there, because that place looks boring AF!!

Worth a gander if you've only got 70 minutes, and you fancy watching something that’s the complete antithesis of modern Hollywood!