TEHRAN- “Fallen Leaves”, a 2023 romantic-comedy film written and directed by Finnish film director Aki Kaurismaki, was reviewed at the Andisheh Cultural Center in Tehran on Tuesday. 

Film critics Mohsen Soleimani Fakher and Mohsen Beigaqa attended a screening of the film followed by a review session.

"Fallen Leaves" follows the intertwining lives of Ansa, a lonely woman living in Helsinki, and Holappa, a troubled man grappling with alcoholism. Ansa works a zero-hour contract in a supermarket, while Holappa operates as a sandblaster, often drinking on the job. During a karaoke night, a chance encounter leads to an unspoken connection between the two, though they do not formally meet.

After Ansa is fired for taking expired food, she takes a low-paying job at a bar, only to be unemployed again shortly after. A chance meeting at a café sparks initial romance between Ansa and Holappa, but miscommunication leads to missed connections: Holappa loses Ansa's phone number before he can reach out. Both are plagued by loneliness and addiction; Holappa's drinking causes him to lose his job and home, while Ansa grapples with the scars of alcoholism in her family. 

Despite their struggles, Ansa’s growing affection leads her to adopt a homeless dog. Their paths cross again when Ansa invites Holappa over but is forced to confront his alcoholism when she finds him drinking at her home, leading to a painful confrontation. When Holappa attempts to turn his life around after their fallout, tragedy strikes as he is hit by a train.

Unaware of Holappa's fate, Ansa learns from Huotari that he is in a coma. Devoting herself to him, she visits daily, reading and speaking to him until he finally wakes up. The film concludes on a hopeful note when Holappa leaves the hospital, asking about the dog rather than Ansa’s name, symbolizing new beginnings for both characters.

Born in 1957, Aki Kaurismaki is a prominent Finnish film director and screenwriter, celebrated for iconic films such as “Drifting Clouds” (1996), “The Man Without a Past” (2002), “Le Havre” (2011), “The Other Side of Hope” (2017), and “Fallen Leaves” (2023). He is regarded as Finland's most recognized filmmaker.

Kaurismaki studied media at the University of Tampere before working various jobs, including bricklayer and postman, while nurturing his passion for cinema as a critic and screenwriter. He began his career collaborating with his brother, Mika Kaurismaki, even starring in Mika's film “The Liar” (1981). They co-founded the production company Villealfa Filmproductions. His directorial debut came with “Crime and Punishment” (1983), an adaptation set in modern Helsinki, but he gained international acclaim with “Leningrad Cowboys Go America” (1989).

Kaurismaki is known for his minimalist style, often writing, directing, and editing his own films, characterized by a deadpan humor and a straightforward portrayal of characters facing life's challenges. Many of his works focus on Helsinki, presenting a critical view that often reflects themes of disillusionment and resilience. Influences from directors like Yasujiro Ozu and Jean-Pierre Melville shape his unique cinematic voice. Kaurismaki is also known for his skepticism towards digital filmmaking, although he later acknowledged the necessity of adapting his work to digital formats.

SAB/