(Aki
Kaurismaki/1988/Finland)
The
second instalment of the Proletariat trilogy after Shadows in
Paradise and we are again foisted into the bleak existence of
characters who seem stone facedly resigned to their downtrodden and
ascetic lives. Taisto watches as the rural coal mine he works for is
demolished and as his father does away with himself. He then launches
himself towards Helsinki and a chapter of misadventures and romance
with single mum Irmeli. Kaurismakis dark humour at their woes masks
tenderness and affection for them and the concise, minimal dialogue
lets the pictures do all the talking. Another wonderful look at how
the basic human instinct to survive and love and be loved and fashion
a better life than what the world has to offer shines bright and
true.
(4/5)
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