(Finland—2006—directed by Aki Kaurismäki)

Koistinen, a lonely night watchman deeply convinced of his own loser status, is surprised to find himself keeping company with a seductive, mysterious blonde. Soon, however, this femme fatale’s connections to a criminal underworld will take Koistinen down an unexpected but perhaps inevitable path. Finland’s Aki Kaurismäki (The Man Without a Past, Leningrad Cowboys) possesses what may be the driest wit in all of cinema; the bleak landscapes that his wonderfully depressed characters inhabit serves to reinforce their humanity – even as Kaurismäki suggests that the world we all inhabit is simply one big film noir. This minimalist jewel – the last in the director’s so-called “loser” trilogy – may well be the feel-bad movie of the year (and we do mean that as a compliment). In Finnish with English subtitles. (78 min.)

“Kaurismäki’s mastery is evident… this is one of his best and indeed may be his most touching work.” -Steve Gravestock, Toronto Film Festival