Rent Ariel (1988)

Laconic as expected from Aki K - Ariel review by LN

Finnish films by Kaurismaki are full of dour, monosyllabic characters, blank faced, full of silent pauses, and highly odd, quirky situations amongst poor and struggling manual workers. Gives you an extremely odd impression of Finland but fascinating to watch.

They really shouldn't have a major image of the director's prominent leading lady Kati Outinen above, for once she isn't even in it.

The competent Turo Pajala plays a lanky and more appealing character who you root for when he's down and out but bouncing up, what else would you do in his situation, but what grates is he didn't speak up for himself. Let's himself be charged and convicted in court for an assault on the guy who mugged him. Oh come on! Why wouldn't you defend yourself by explaining the situation?

A few funny moments, the kid with a gun "Do you want breakfast?" "Toast or crispbread?" and the nearly botched bank robbery because the car wouldn't move.

Altogether I enjoyed this movie, Kaurismaki thinks it one of his best and I agree. Give it a go.